Predicting eczema severity beyond childhood.

Background: We evaluated factors associated with eczema severity in adolescence.

Methods: Nottingham Eczema Severity Score (NESS), family and personal history of atopy, skin prick test for common food and aeroallergens, highest serum IgE level and eosinophil count were evaluated. Patients with paired NESSs (childhood-NESS is NESS performed at <10 years of age; adolescence-NESS is NESS performed at age >10 years) were further analyzed.

Specific IgG and IgA of common foods in Chinese children with eczema: friend or foe.

Background: Specific immunoglobulins G and A (IgG and IgA) for common food items have been extensively measured as surrogate markers of food allergy, and dietary avoidance based on the test results advocated.

Aim: We reviewed the prevalence of specific food IgG and IgA in children with eczema and evaluated outcome of dietary avoidance in these children.

Methods: Specific immunoglobulins of 96 food items were measured for 30 consecutive atopic dermatitis (AD) patients and disease severity [SCORing atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) and Nottingham eczema severity score (NESS)], Children Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), skin hydration (SH), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), topical corticosteroid and oral antihistamine usage were evaluated.