Could the higher cleaning and disinfectant exposure during the pandemic increase the allergy prevalence in the general population?
It is well-established that epithelial barrier defects and/or damage favor the development of Th2 immunity.272,273Increased hygiene, in general, as well as overexposure to epithelial barrier opening molecules, such as detergents, can promote the onset of allergic disease.274 To date, there is no evidence linking the COVID-19 protective measures (gloves, hand-sanitizers,etc. ) with increased allergy prevalence. In this regard, multifactorial epidemiological studies are needed. These studies should consider the impact on allergic diseases of virus-specific type 1 responses and psychosocial and environmental changes caused by the pandemic and efforts to contain it.