Allergy Eczema Panel Enzyme Assay Skin
What is this test?
Allergy eczema panel enzyme assay skin test is used to test the sensitization of your skin to eczema (a condition of red, itchy and inflamed patches of skin). 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. In this test, your skin is slightly pricked and introduced to certain irritants that cause eczema.
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.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Allergy Eczema Panel Enzyme Assay Skin. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Allergy Eczema Panel Enzyme Assay Skin.
No specific preparation is required for this test. However, follow all the instructions given by the healthcare provider.
Understanding your test results
After getting exposed to allergens or irritants that can cause eczema, if you develop hives or reddish spots on the skin within 15 - 20 minutes, or a wheal or flare reaction (immediate reaction to an allergen) at the test location that is at least 3 mm of size may indicate that you have eczema due to the exposure to certain allergens or irritants.
If there is no reaction or hives present on the skin after getting exposed to the allergens or irritants that can cause eczema then it may indicate that you are not having an allergic condition induced eczema.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | A wheal and flare reaction of atleast 3mm indicates that the patient is allergic to the substance |