Allergy Testing for Eczema: Decoding IgE Scores & Diagnosis

What Is Eczema and How Does It Relate to Allergies?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and dry patches on the skin, often triggered by environmental factors or stress. It often overlaps with allergies because both conditions are driven by an overactive immune response. In some cases, exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can trigger eczema flare-ups.

The Eczema Allergy Overlap

Often, individuals suffering from eczema also have allergies, forming what's known as the eczema-allergy overlap. This overlap occurs due to the atopic march, a sequence of allergic diseases that typically progress from eczema in infancy to food allergies, hay fever, and asthma in later stages of life.

In many cases, individuals with allergic eczema react to specific allergens that trigger their skin symptoms. These triggers can be identified using various allergy tests such as the skin prick test, patch test, or through blood tests. Understanding the allergens that trigger eczema is key to managing the condition effectively.

If you or a loved one are dealing with eczema and suspect an allergen might be triggering your flare-ups, consider getting an allergy test. This can help identify potential allergens and guide you towards a more effective management plan.

What Is an Allergen-Specific IgE Test?

An allergen-specific IgE test is a type of blood test used to identify specific allergens causing an allergic reaction. The test measures the amount of Immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that your body produces in response to an allergen. High levels of IgE usually indicate an allergy.

Understanding Your IgE Score

Your IgE score reflects the amount of IgE antibodies in your blood. The higher your score, the more likely you are to have an allergic reaction to the tested allergen. However, an elevated IgE score alone does not confirm an allergy.

Doctors also consider your symptoms and medical history when interpreting the test results. For example, if your IgE score is high for a certain allergen, but you have never experienced symptoms when exposed to it, you may not be truly allergic.

Understanding your allergy skin test results or IgE test results is crucial in managing your allergies and eczema. It allows you to identify and avoid specific triggers, reducing the frequency and severity of your symptoms.

Who Should Get an Allergen-Specific IgE Test?

People who experience recurrent unexplained allergy symptoms or those who have an allergy that is not well-managed by over-the-counter (OTC) treatments should consider an allergen-specific IgE test. This test is also beneficial for patients with eczema, as it can help identify potential allergens contributing to their skin condition.

People with suspected allergic contact dermatitis, a skin condition that occurs when your skin comes into direct contact with an allergen, can also benefit from this test. Identifying the specific allergen causing the reaction allows for more targeted treatment and prevention strategies.

Parents considering allergy testing for their children should also consider the allergen-specific IgE test. Children with persistent allergies or eczema can benefit from identifying and avoiding specific allergens. Always consult your healthcare provider for the best approach to allergy testing and remember that an IgE test is only one of several tools that can be used to diagnose allergies.

How to Diagnose Eczema in Children?

In diagnosing eczema in children, doctors will typically conduct a thorough physical examination of the skin and review the child's medical history. The diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin and the child's reported symptoms.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Key symptoms to look out for include dry, scaly skin, severe itching, red or brownish-gray patches, and small, raised bumps which may leak fluid. A child's personal or family history of allergies or asthma can also be a crucial factor in diagnosing eczema.

Blood and Skin Tests for Eczema

While there's no specific test to diagnose eczema definitively, certain blood and skin tests can provide valuable insights. An allergen-specific IgE test can identify potential allergens contributing to the eczema. Additionally, a skin patch test can be useful in diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis, a condition that can coexist with or be mistaken for eczema. This test involves applying patches with different allergens to the skin, then observing for any allergic reactions over several days.

What Are the Other Tests for Food Allergies?

Aside from allergen-specific IgE tests, other tests for diagnosing food allergies include skin prick tests, oral food challenges, and elimination diets. These tests help identify the specific foods causing allergic reactions.

A skin prick test involves placing a small amount of the suspected food allergen on the skin, then pricking the skin to allow the allergen to enter. If an allergic reaction such as a hive occurs, it indicates a potential food allergy.

An oral food challenge, considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies, is conducted under medical supervision. It involves consuming small but gradually increasing amounts of the suspected food allergen while monitoring for reactions.

Lastly, an elimination diet entails removing suspected allergens from the diet for a period, then gradually reintroducing them while observing for reactions. This should only be done under a healthcare professional's guidance to ensure nutritional needs are met.

What Is the Difference Between Allergy, Intolerance, and Sensitivity?

An allergy, intolerance, and sensitivity are all different reactions your body can have to certain foods, but they involve different biological mechanisms. Understanding the distinctions between these terms can help you manage your symptoms more effectively.

An allergy involves the immune system, specifically the IgE antibodies. When you have a food allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies a certain food as harmful and launches an attack, causing allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching, swelling, or even anaphylaxis.

Conversely, food intolerance is a digestive issue. It occurs when your body cannot fully digest a certain food, often due to lack of specific enzymes. Symptoms of intolerance are generally less severe than allergies and may include bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Food sensitivity, on the other hand, is a less clear-cut term and isn't recognized as a formal diagnosis by all medical professionals. It generally refers to a wide range of symptoms that can occur after eating certain foods, but without the immune system involvement seen in allergies or the digestive issues seen in intolerances.

Do I Need Allergy Testing for My Eczema?

Allergy testing can be beneficial for managing eczema, especially if your symptoms persist despite treatment or if you notice flare-ups after exposure to certain allergens. By identifying your specific triggers, you can tailor your prevention strategies and treatment plans.

Allergy tests for eczema typically involve skin prick tests or blood tests to measure IgE levels. A skin prick test introduces a small amount of the suspected allergen into your skin to see if it triggers an allergic reaction. A blood test, on the other hand, measures the amount of specific IgE antibodies in your blood. High IgE levels typically indicate an allergic response.

However, allergy testing should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to managing your eczema. It's crucial to discuss with your healthcare provider whether allergy testing is appropriate for you, considering your symptoms, medical history, and overall health.

How to Manage and Treat Eczema?

Eczema management and treatment involve alleviating symptoms, preventing flare-ups, and addressing any underlying conditions or triggers like allergies. It typically combines skincare routines, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments tailored to the individual's specific needs and triggers.

Treating Allergies for a Clear Future

If allergies are a trigger for your eczema, treating these allergies can help manage your eczema symptoms. This can involve avoiding known allergens, using medications to control allergic reactions, and undergoing immunotherapy. Medications may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and leukotriene inhibitors, which reduce inflammation and allergic reactions.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a form of allergy treatment that involves placing a tablet containing a small amount of the allergen under your tongue. Over time, regular exposure to the allergen can help your immune system become less reactive to it, thereby reducing your allergic symptoms and potentially improving your eczema. However, this treatment should be administered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Live Allergy-Free with Wyndly

If you want long-term relief from your allergies, Wyndly can help. Our doctors will help you identify your allergy triggers and create a personalized treatment plan to get you the lifelong relief you deserve. Start by taking our quick online allergy assessment today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to see a dermatologist or allergist for eczema?

Whether to see a dermatologist or allergist for eczema depends on its causes. A dermatologist specializes in skin conditions and can help manage eczema symptoms. However, if your eczema is triggered by an allergy, an allergist could identify and treat the underlying allergic cause.

What allergies usually cause eczema?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is often triggered by allergies to substances like dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and certain foods such as dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and wheat. Contact with allergenic substances like nickel, fragrances, or certain types of fabric can also cause eczema.

What is the best allergy test for eczema?

The best allergy test for eczema is the patch test. This test involves applying allergens to your skin using a small patch. After 48 hours, the skin is checked for reactions. This test is particularly effective in identifying triggers for eczema flare-ups.

Can an allergist test for eczema?

Yes, an allergist can test for eczema. The allergist will perform a detailed physical examination and review your medical history. Skin prick tests or blood tests may be used to identify potential allergens that could be triggering or exacerbating your eczema symptoms.

How do I know if it's eczema or allergies?

A dermatologist can accurately diagnose if you have eczema or an allergic skin reaction. Eczema usually causes dry, red, and itchy skin that can become cracked or leathery. Allergic reactions may cause similar symptoms, but might also include hives or swelling.

Is there a test to confirm eczema?

Yes, there are tests to confirm eczema, primarily based on a physical examination and medical history review. There is no specific laboratory test for eczema. However, your doctor may order allergy tests or a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions that can mimic eczema.

Which allergy medicine is best for eczema?

For managing eczema, corticosteroid creams and ointments are often the first choice. Antihistamines can help with itching, particularly at night. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe systemic medications, like oral corticosteroids or biologic drugs, to control inflammation and prevent flare-ups.