Atopic eczema (neurodermatitis) is usually diagnosed on the basis of the clinical picture.
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the medical history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification
- Allergy testing (with a prick test or epicutaneous test (synonyms: patch test, plaster test); test procedures that show skin reactions such as redness and swelling by contact of the test substances with the skin when an allergy is present) in:
- Evidence from the medical history of immediate-type or eczema reactions after allergen contact.
- Severe chronic course; verification of sensitization to food (esp. in children after introduction of complementary feeding) and to inhalant allergens
- Suspicion of food allergies, screening if necessary (in children):
- Peanut
- Fish
- Hazelnut
- Chicken egg
- Soy
- Wheat
- Suspected allergic bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis.
- Total IgE, specific IgE (depending on history) – blood test for elevated levels of IgE (immunoglobulin E; blood protein that mediates hypersensitivity reactions) [Approximately 80% of all patients have IgE to common food or inhalant allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites, molds, animal dander)]
