Journal of Allergy & Therapy

Abstract

Comparing the Effectiveness of Oral Immunotherapy and Epicutaneous Immunotherapy on the Desensitization of Peanut Allergies

Gunawardana Dulmi, Alanna Harricharan, Visnavi Jeyasegaran, Florin Buhas and Moheem Halari

There is a continuous rise in peanut allergies commonly found in the younger generations, which has caused an increase in demand for preventative treatment as opposed to mere management. Currently, avoidance of the allergen is the usual recommendation for those with peanut allergies. Two peanut immunotherapies, oral immunotherapy (OIT) and epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) aim to successfully desensitize individuals of the allergen. This review compiled subjects from various studies to see which methodology is most effective in the prevention of peanut allergies. A total of 122 active subjects for oral immunotherapy with a success rate of 71% (87) followed by 273 active subjects for epicutaneous immunotherapy with a success rate 56% (154). OIT and EPIT both differ in administration and technique; however, it is evident that OIT is the more effective treatment. Although further studies must be conducted to ensure the safety and efficiency of both OIT and EPIT; completed studies deem the immunotherapies propitious.