Understanding Lab Tests for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin. While there is no single blood test to diagnose atopic dermatitis itself, which is typically diagnosed through clinical examination and medical history, blood testing plays a fundamental role in identifying potential triggers and understanding the body's immune response that contributes to this condition.
Top Recommended Test
Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Serum
IL-4 is a key inflammatory marker that is often elevated in patients with atopic dermatitis. This cytokine promotes IgE production and contributes to the inflammatory cascade that leads to skin irritation, making it valuable for monitoring disease activity and immune system dysfunction.
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Why Blood Testing is Important for Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is often triggered or worsened by environmental allergens, food sensitivities, and immune system dysfunction. Blood tests are essential for identifying specific allergens that may be causing flare-ups, measuring inflammatory markers, and assessing overall immune system activity. This information helps healthcare providers develop targeted treatment plans and avoidance strategies.
Other Relevant Tests
Sweet Vernal Grass (g1) IgE
This test measures specific IgE antibodies to sweet vernal grass. Elevated levels indicate an allergic reaction to this common grass pollen, which can manifest as atopic dermatitis flare-ups in sensitive individuals, causing dry, itchy, and red skin symptoms.
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Respiratory Allergy Panel Region III: GA, northern FL, SC
This comprehensive panel tests for multiple respiratory allergens common in the southeastern United States, including molds like Alternaria alternata. These allergens can trigger atopic dermatitis flare-ups, causing itchy, red, swollen, and cracked skin in sensitive individuals.
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Respiratory Allergy Profile Region VI: AL, AR, LA, MS
This regional allergy panel identifies sensitivities to common allergens in the Gulf Coast states, including birch pollen and other environmental triggers that can cause atopic dermatitis flare-ups, leading to inflamed and itchy skin conditions.
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Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica) (t222) IgE
Elevated IgE antibodies to Arizona Cypress indicate an immune response to this specific tree allergen. This allergic reaction can worsen atopic dermatitis symptoms, causing skin inflammation, itching, and characteristic eczema rashes in susceptible individuals.
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Allergen Specific IgE Curvularia spicifera
This test measures IgE antibodies against Curvularia spicifera, a type of mold. Elevated levels indicate an allergic response that can trigger an overactive immune system, leading to skin inflammation and atopic dermatitis symptoms.
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Allergen (IgE), Conventional Rastâ„¢, Aspen
Aspen pollen is a common environmental allergen that can provoke atopic dermatitis flare-ups in sensitive individuals. Elevated specific IgE levels to aspen can help identify this trigger, which typically causes dry, itchy skin and characteristic eczema rashes.
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Mint (Mentha piperita) (f332) IgE
While mint may not directly cause atopic dermatitis, elevated IgE levels to specific allergens like mint are commonly found in patients with this condition. The immune system's heightened response to various allergens contributes to the inflammation and itching characteristic of eczema.
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Allergen Specific IgG Bean Green/String
Food sensitivities can contribute to atopic dermatitis symptoms. Elevated IgG levels to green beans may suggest that consumption of this food is contributing to chronic skin inflammation and the itchy, inflamed skin characteristic of eczema.
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Allergen Specific IgE Tree of Heaven
Tree of Heaven is an environmental allergen that can trigger or worsen atopic dermatitis symptoms. High levels of specific IgE antibodies indicate an allergic response that could be contributing to the red, itchy skin condition characteristic of eczema.
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Allergen Specific IgE Rice Wild
Elevated IgE antibodies to wild rice indicate that the immune system is reacting to this food allergen. This immune response can trigger or exacerbate atopic dermatitis symptoms, causing the red, itchy skin manifestations typical of eczema in sensitive individuals.
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Understanding Your Results
Blood test results for atopic dermatitis help identify specific triggers and assess immune system activity rather than diagnose the condition itself. Elevated IgE levels to specific allergens can guide avoidance strategies, while inflammatory markers like IL-4 can help monitor disease progression and treatment response. Working with your healthcare provider to interpret these results is crucial for developing an effective management plan.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Atopic dermatitis management typically involves a combination of trigger avoidance, proper skincare, and medical treatments as recommended by your dermatologist or healthcare provider.
