Allergy - Common Eczema Panel

• Eczema allergy test is done in suspected skin conditions for diagnosis and determining the exact source causing it (trigger factor).
• The test is different from the one undertaken for the diagnosis of urticaria or skin allergies due to other causes.

Eczema allergy test measures the IgE-mediated response to 11 different types of food, plants and animal dander. These include Egg White, Cow Milk, Cod Fish, Wheat, Peanut, Soybean, Cat Dander, Dog Dander, Dermatophagoides Farinae, and Bermuda Grass.

Total IgE levels are also measured. 

A blood sample after exposure to the allergen(s) is required. The procedure of collecting the sample is quite simple. First, the area where the needle will be inserted to collect the blood sample is disinfected, and then the fist will need to be clenched to make the veins easier to find and measure. Finally, to collect the blood sample in a vacutainer, a tourniquet will be wrapped around the upper arm and pulled until the band starts to feel tight. This will help the blood build up in the veins, making it easier to collect the sample.

Positive result to an allergen indicates that it is the trigger factor for causing the eczematous condition . Increased allergen-specific IgE levels further confirms that. Very often the test may be positive for more than one allergen as well. The further treatment course is decided based on the results. Based on the symptom, age, environmental allergens, and region wise allergens further testing may be required for specific diagnosis.Negative result may require other tests for differential diagnosis.

People with eczema may experience a range of symptoms that call for undergoing the test; these symptoms include the following:

• Redness
• Dryness
• Itching
• Skin lesions

Often, eczema is caused by a genetic trait. It can occur anywhere on the body, but certain areas, like the elbows, knees, neck and back, are more prone to it.

If the allergen test result comes back positive, it means that the substance is a trigger for the eczematous condition. Allergists can test for specific allergens (through IgE levels) to get a more accurate diagnosis.

The best thing to do in such a case is to avoid contact with the allergen as much as possible. Anti-allergen medication can also help neutralise the effect of the source in case contact occurs.

IgE stands for Immunoglobin E. It is an antibody that helps the body fight against particular allergens.

The ImmunoCap technique is used to measure how people respond to allergens. It is a reliable and accurate technique for detecting allergen-specific IgE, and it offers excellent reliability and reproducibility.

Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that can happen very quickly, and it can lead to several dangerous symptoms, including a rapid heart rate, a skin rash, vomiting and nausea. Any type of allergic reaction where the airways close up requires immediate medical help.

• Eczema Panel
• Allergy Eczema Panel