Oral Hyposensitization in Allergic Contact Dermati-tis

In this review,the concepts of hyposensitization,tolerance and hardening are defined.Studies concerning hyposensitization by different routes of allergen administration are mentioned.The most important studies in humans,as well as in experimental animals,regarding oral hyposensitization are then gone into more thorouqhly.The possible mechanisms of hyposensitization are discussed.It is concluded that oral hyposensitiztion in humans is indeed possible.Furthermore,the reaction is antigen-specific,diminishes quickly,and it is probably the dose administered at a certain monent rather than the total amount of allergens ingested that is crucial when receiving hyposensitization.However,further performed studies do not justify the routine use of oral hyposensitization.