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.