Group 1: Current Situation of Allergic Diseases - The global prevalence of allergic diseases is on the rise, with allergic rhinitis being a significant health concern affecting over 500 million people worldwide, representing 10% to 40% of the population [1][5] - In China, the number of self-reported allergic rhinitis cases increased by nearly 100 million from 2005 to 2011, with a notable rise in prevalence among children, reaching 19.75% from 2012 to 2021 [1][5] Group 2: Causes and Contributing Factors - The high incidence of allergic diseases is attributed to multiple factors, including environmental pollution, lifestyle changes, and urbanization, which have collectively exacerbated the situation [2][5] - Increased indoor time and exposure to allergens such as dust mites and pets, along with dietary shifts towards fast and processed foods, are significant contributors to the growing allergic population [5][6] Group 3: Awareness and Education Gaps - There is a lack of awareness among the general public regarding the symptoms and diagnosis of allergic diseases, leading to misinterpretation of allergic rhinitis as common colds [6][7] - Medical professionals also face challenges due to insufficient education on allergic diseases, resulting in difficulties in recognizing symptoms and assessing their impact on patients' quality of life [7][8] Group 4: Treatment and Management Recommendations - Effective management of allergic rhinitis in children is crucial, as it can impact their ability to learn and participate in activities, potentially leading to complications like asthma [8][9] - Recommendations for treatment include the use of second-generation antihistamines for mild to moderate cases and nasal corticosteroids for more severe cases, with an emphasis on early intervention and proper medication adherence [9][10] Group 5: Global Initiatives and Collaboration - The World Allergy Organization (WAO) is actively working to improve the management of allergic diseases through education, establishing "centers of excellence," and developing global guidelines tailored to local contexts [13][15] - WAO's initiatives include training programs for healthcare providers in regions with a shortage of allergy specialists, aiming to enhance the quality of care and public awareness [13][16] Group 6: Future Directions and Digital Tools - There is a focus on expanding the network of certified allergy centers in China to improve public health responses to allergic diseases and enhance collaboration among healthcare providers [15][18] - The use of digital tools in China for diagnosis, patient follow-up, and education is recognized as a significant advantage that can be leveraged to improve allergic disease management globally [18]

Core Insights - July 8 marks the 21st "World Allergy Day," highlighting the increased incidence of allergic diseases during the hot and humid summer months, particularly for skin allergy patients [1] - Allergies are characterized as abnormal immune responses, indicating an imbalance rather than a strong immune system, leading to excessive self-protection against foreign invaders [1] Group 1: Types of Allergic Skin Diseases - Common allergic skin diseases include urticaria, eczema, and atopic dermatitis, with urticaria being a prevalent condition characterized by itchy wheals that can resolve within hours to a day [2] - Eczema is a severe inflammatory skin reaction triggered by various internal and external factors, with a significant link to genetic predisposition and environmental changes [2] - Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease associated with genetic allergic predisposition, often co-occurring with other allergic conditions like allergic rhinitis and asthma [2] Group 2: Prevention and Management - For patients with a history of allergic diseases, identifying and avoiding allergens is crucial for prevention, alongside maintaining a healthy lifestyle to boost immune function [2] - Recommendations for summer include avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, wearing protective gear, and minimizing time spent in environments prone to insect activity [2] - Severe allergic reactions can lead to life-threatening symptoms such as chest tightness and anaphylactic shock, necessitating immediate observation and treatment [3]