Hypersensitivity to aeroallergens in children with atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing, inflammatory skin disease characterized by severe itch, rash and dry skin. Hypersensitivity to aeroallergens is found in 40%-50% of children with AD and it is the cause of intensive skin lesions. The aim of the study was to assess the presence of hypersensitivity to aeroallergens in AD children. The study included 114 children (56 boys and 58 girls), median age 27.5 months, who had been diagnosed with AD according to Hanifin and Rajka criteria. The severity of the disease was assessed by the SCORAD index. To recognize hypersensitivity to aeroallergens, the following parameters were analyzed: medical history, values of absolute eosinophil count, total IgE antibodies, specific IgE antibodies to aeroallergens, and results of the skin prick test for aeroallergens. A moderate form of the disease was present in 61.4% of study children, with a median SCORAD index score of 28.5 points; 12.3% of study children showed hypersensitivity to aeroallergens (history of hypersensitivity to aeroallergens in 27.2%, increased absolute eosinophil count in 53.5%, increased total IgE antibodies in 56.1%, positive skin prick test in 20.2%, and positive specific IgE antibodies to aeroallergens in 12.3% of children). The most common aeroallergens responsible were house dust in 6.1% and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in 3.5% of children with AD. Hypersensitivity to aeroallergens was recorded in the same number of children with mild and severe forms of the disease and in 5.7% of children with a moderate form. In conclusion, the presence of hypersensitivity to aeroallergens in children with AD is significant. By discovering and removing the aeroallergens responsible, it is possible to achieve reduction in the intensity of skin lesions and frequency of exacerbations.