Allergy Eczema Panel Enzyme Assay Blood

Allergy eczema panel enzyme assay blood test is used to detect the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against eczema (a condition of red, itchy and inflamed patches of skin) in the blood. Eczema can occur as an allergic reaction or due to any other health conditions. Eczema resulting from an allergic condition can occur due to exposure to irritants. This test helps to know whether it is an allergic reaction that has resulted in eczema or not.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition characterized by red, itchy and inflamed patches of skin. It is also known as atopic dermatitis. The exact cause of eczema is unknown. It can occur as an allergic reaction or due to any other health conditions. Eczema resulting from an allergic condition occurs due to an immune system response of the body towards certain irritants. Sometimes, it may also occur because of an abnormal response to proteins that are already a part of the body.

Certain allergens or irritants that can cause eczema are wool, synthetic fabrics, chemicals found in cleaners and detergents, animal dander, dust, mites, food allergens such as milk, egg white, fish, rice, peanut, soybeans, wheat, chickpea, banana, lemon, etc. Eczema is more common in children. If you have a family history of allergies or allergic diseases, such as asthma or eczema, then you are at high risk of developing eczema.

The more evident symptom of eczema is rough, dry, itchy, inflamed, irritated, and flaky skin. It may flare up, subside after some time, and they may flare up again. The other signs and symptoms of eczema are severe itchings, scaly and thick skin, red or brownish grey patches, rashes, small, raised bumps that ooze fluid, crusty patches of dried yellowish ooze, etc. These symptoms can occur anywhere in the body but are common in the arms, cheeks, scalp, inner elbows, backs of the knees or head. If the individual scratches or rubs the infected skin, it can further irritate the skin, increase the itchiness and swelling.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed when you are suspected to have eczema due to an allergy. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if you have a family history of eczema or if you experience signs and symptoms of eczema such as severe itchings, rough, dry, itchy, inflamed, irritated, and flaky skin, red or brownish grey patches, rashes, small, raised bumps that ooze fluid, crusty patches of dried yellowish ooze, etc. This test may also be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, if already diagnosed.

The normal reference range may vary depending on gender, age, health history, etc. If your test results show high levels of IgE antibodies than the given normal reference range, it may indicate that the person is most likely to have eczema due to the exposure to certain allergens or irritants.

If your test results are lower than the normal reference range, it may indicate that the person is unlikely to have eczema due to the exposure to certain allergens or irritants.

Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.