Animal hair allergy (ICD-10- Z91.0) refers to the occurrence of allergic symptoms after contact with animal hair. It is an immediate-type allergy (type I allergy). Allergies to dogs and cats, as well as rodents, birds, and horses, are common.
Allergen transmission is dermal (through the skin) or aerogenic (through the air).
Sex ratio: balanced.
The prevalence (disease frequency) of animal hair allergy is about 10% (in Germany).
Course and prognosis: An animal hair allergy usually causes complaints throughout life. These can be effectively reduced by early diagnosis, exposure prophylaxis (avoidance of contact with the allergen, see “Further Therapy“), and hyposensitization or desensitization (synonyms: specific immunotherapy, SIT).
