IgE allergy testing improves atopic dermatitis outcomes

(HealthDay)—Identification of allergens by immunoglobulin E (IgE) testing improves outcomes in atopic dermatitis, according to a study published online June 20 in the International Journal of Dermatology.

Brett M. Will, from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and colleagues retrospectively assessed affected body surface area at first presentation, IgE quantitative assaying of allergens (IgEQAA) classes, and total IgE concentration for 54 patients with atopic dermatitis.

The researchers found that 41 of 54 patients had an abnormally high total IgE concentration (76 percent). After making lifestyle changes, nine (17 percent) of these patients showed significant improvement in their symptoms.

"While IgEQAA has historically been used by allergists, it has yet to see the same widespread usage within the field of dermatology. IgEQAA is easy to perform compared to skin prick testing and may be helpful in some patients who are not responding to conservative treatment," the authors write. "Further studies are required; however, from our data it appears that IgEQAA testing can have a significant impact on treatment outcomes in selected patients with atopic dermatitis."