Intrinsically defective skin barrier function in children with atopic dermatitis correlates with disease severity.

Background: Recent genetic evidence supports that an underlying defect in skin barrier function contributes to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). The integrity of the skin barrier can be assessed objectively by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Previous investigations of TEWL as a biomarker of skin barrier function have been limited by small sample size, and studies including African American subjects are lacking.

Aeroallergen sensitization in healthy children: racial and socioeconomic correlates.

Objective: Allergic sensitization is very prevalent and often precedes the development of allergic disease. This study examined the association of race with allergic sensitization among healthy children with no family history of atopy.

Study Design: Two hundred seventy-five children, predominantly from lower socioeconomic strata, from Cincinnati, Ohio, ages 2 to 18 years without a family or personal history of allergic diseases, underwent skin prick testing to 11 allergen panels.