Question 1

What is Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)?

Accepted Answer

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin. It is caused by immune system dysfunction involving elevated interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels and IgE antibodies that trigger inflammatory responses to environmental and food allergens. The Interleukin-4 (IL-4) Serum test is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures the key inflammatory marker that promotes IgE production and drives the skin irritation characteristic of eczema.

Question 2

What causes atopic dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

Atopic dermatitis is caused by a combination of immune system dysfunction, genetic factors, and environmental triggers. Your immune system produces elevated levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which create an overactive inflammatory response to allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and certain foods. This immune reaction damages your skin barrier, allowing moisture to escape and irritants to penetrate, creating the characteristic red, itchy, and inflamed patches. Many people with eczema also have a genetic mutation affecting filaggrin, a protein essential for maintaining healthy skin barrier function.

Question 3

What is the best test for atopic dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

The Interleukin-4 (IL-4) Serum test is the most important test for atopic dermatitis because it measures the key inflammatory cytokine that drives eczema symptoms by promoting IgE production and triggering the inflammatory cascade that leads to skin irritation. This test helps monitor disease activity and treatment response. Additionally, specific IgE allergy tests are essential for identifying your personal triggers, including environmental allergens like Sweet Vernal Grass IgE, Arizona Cypress IgE, Aspen pollen, and mold tests like Curvularia spicifera, as well as food allergens such as Rice Wild IgE and Bean Green/String IgG. Regional allergy panels can test for multiple triggers at once, making them valuable for comprehensive evaluation. These tests together provide a complete picture of what's causing your eczema flare-ups.

Question 4

When should I get tested for atopic dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent itchy, red, or inflamed skin that doesn't improve with over-the-counter moisturizers and creams, especially if you notice flare-ups after exposure to certain environments or foods. Testing is particularly important if your symptoms interfere with sleep due to nighttime itching, if you have a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever, or if you've tried various treatments without success. Early identification of your specific allergen triggers through blood testing can help you avoid them and develop a more effective management plan, preventing your condition from worsening and reducing the risk of skin infections from constant scratching.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

Atopic dermatitis causes dry, itchy skin with red or brownish-gray patches, typically appearing on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, and inside the bend of elbows and knees. You might notice small, raised bumps that leak fluid and crust over when scratched, along with thickened, cracked, or scaly skin from chronic scratching. The itching often intensifies at night and can become severe enough to disrupt sleep. In children, symptoms commonly appear on the face and scalp, while adults tend to develop patches on the creases of elbows, knees, and neck. The affected skin may become sensitive and raw from repeated scratching, sometimes leading to secondary bacterial infections.

Question 6

Who is at risk for atopic dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

People with a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever have the highest risk of developing atopic dermatitis, as these conditions share common genetic and immune system factors. Children are particularly susceptible, with most cases beginning before age 5, though the condition can appear at any age. You face increased risk if you have other allergic conditions, live in urban areas with higher pollution levels, or experience frequent exposure to environmental irritants like cigarette smoke, harsh soaps, or certain fabrics. Cold, dry climates can worsen symptoms and trigger flare-ups. Healthcare workers, hairstylists, cleaners, and others with frequent hand washing or chemical exposure also have higher rates of eczema due to constant skin barrier disruption.

Question 7

What happens if atopic dermatitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated atopic dermatitis can lead to chronic sleep disruption from constant itching, significantly affecting your quality of life, work performance, and mental health. Persistent scratching creates open wounds that become entry points for bacterial infections like Staphylococcus aureus, which can spread and require antibiotic treatment. Over time, the affected skin becomes permanently thickened, darkened, and leathery through a process called lichenification. You may develop complications like viral skin infections including eczema herpeticum, a potentially serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. Chronic inflammation and sleep loss can contribute to anxiety and depression, while severe cases in children may impact growth and development. Early identification of triggers through blood testing and proper management can prevent these serious complications.

Question 8

Can atopic dermatitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Atopic dermatitis is primarily diagnosed through physical examination and medical history, but blood tests play a crucial role in identifying triggers and monitoring the underlying immune dysfunction. The Interleukin-4 (IL-4) Serum test measures the inflammatory marker that drives eczema symptoms, while specific IgE antibody tests identify environmental and food allergens causing your flare-ups. Elevated total IgE levels are common in people with eczema and indicate an overactive immune response. These blood tests help your healthcare provider understand what's triggering your symptoms so you can avoid those allergens and develop a targeted treatment plan, making them essential tools for effective eczema management even though they don't diagnose the condition itself.

Question 9

How is atopic dermatitis treated?

Accepted Answer

Atopic dermatitis treatment focuses on repairing the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and avoiding identified triggers. Your doctor will likely recommend daily moisturizing with thick creams or ointments, prescription topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors for inflammation, and antihistamines to reduce itching. For moderate to severe cases, phototherapy (light therapy), oral immunosuppressants, or newer biologic medications like dupilumab that target specific immune pathways may be necessary. Identifying and avoiding your personal allergen triggers through blood testing is essential for long-term control. Additional strategies include taking lukewarm baths with colloidal oatmeal, using gentle fragrance-free cleansers, wearing soft breathable fabrics, and managing stress, which can trigger flare-ups. Treatment plans are highly individualized based on your specific triggers and symptom severity.

Question 10

How can I prevent atopic dermatitis flare-ups?

Accepted Answer

Prevention focuses on maintaining your skin barrier and avoiding identified triggers from allergy blood tests. Moisturize your entire body at least twice daily with thick, fragrance-free creams or ointments, especially immediately after bathing while skin is still damp. Take short, lukewarm showers instead of hot baths, and use mild, soap-free cleansers. Avoid known allergens identified through testing, whether environmental triggers like pollen and dust mites or food allergens. Wear soft, breathable cotton clothing and avoid wool or synthetic fabrics that irritate skin. Use a humidifier in dry environments, manage stress through relaxation techniques, and keep fingernails short to minimize damage from scratching. Identify and eliminate personal triggers such as certain laundry detergents, perfumes, or temperature extremes that worsen your symptoms.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with atopic dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches can complement medical treatment for atopic dermatitis. Colloidal oatmeal baths soothe itching and inflammation while helping restore the skin barrier. Apply coconut oil as a natural moisturizer with antimicrobial properties, or try sunflower seed oil which can improve skin barrier function. Cool, wet compresses reduce itching and inflammation during flare-ups. Some people find relief with diluted apple cider vinegar to balance skin pH, though test a small area first as it may sting broken skin. Probiotics may help modulate immune responses from within. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements can reduce inflammation. Stress reduction through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises helps prevent flare-ups since stress triggers immune responses. Always discuss natural remedies with your healthcare provider to ensure they won't interfere with prescribed treatments.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Blood Test

What is Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)?

What causes atopic dermatitis?

What is the best test for atopic dermatitis?

When should I get tested for atopic dermatitis?

References

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