Atopic Dermatitis Diagnostics

Laboratory Tests and Ancillaries

Serum IgE levels may be considered to test for the presence of an allergic disease. High serum total IgE level (≥500 IU/mL) may be indicative of atopic dermatitis. Specific serum IgE antibody tests and skin prick tests may be used to identify specific sensitization.

Peripheral eosinophil count, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, and serum thymus and activation regulated chemokine (TARC) level may be used as markers for disease progression. An increase in LDH level may be indicative of tissue damage secondary to skin inflammation.

Though multiple mutations have been identified in the FLG gene, routine genetic diagnostic test for atopic dermatitis is not yet recommended.