Abstract

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathogenesis and different exogenous and endogenous trigger factors. One important factor is the sensitisation to inhalant and/or food allergens. The detection of total IgE and specific IgE antibodies to inhalant and/or food allergens is one central aspect in diagnosing atopic dermatitis, especially if skin prick tests are not feasible. Many patients are polysensitised, but not all sensitisations are of clinical relevance. The challenge is to identify the sensitisations with clinical relevance and to initiate suitable therapeutic options. In this article we go into detail for the allergens house dust mite, pollen, food, and malassezia sympodialis. Furthermore the authors comment on the impact of the detection of specific IgG/IgG₄ antibodies in the diagnosis of food allergy in atopic dermatitis. Moreover new options in the in-vitro diagnostic will be explained briefly and their actual diagnostic significance in patients with atopic dermatitis will be highlighted. These options are the detection of specific IgE antibodies to rekombinant allergens and the allergen chip.

Author Details

Authors

• K. Wichmann
• A. Heratizadeh
• T. Werfel

Departments

• Abteilung für Immundermatologie und experimentelle Allergologie, Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover

Address

Dr. med. K. Wichmann
Abteilung für Immundermatologie und experimentelle Allergologie
Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie
Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
Ricklinger Straße 5
D-30449 Hannover
Email: [email protected]

Citation