Allergy Eczema Maxi Panel

Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema is a condition that causes red, dry, and itchy skin. It is commonly noticed in children but can occur at any age. This condition usually lasts for a long time, with periodic flare-ups. 

The most common symptoms of this condition include: 

• Dry skin
• Itching
• Patches, usually red to brownish in colour
• Minor, bulging bumps
• Scaly skin
• Sensitive and swollen skin

There is no cure for eczema yet; however, treatments and preventive measures can help relieve itching and reduce flare-ups. 

Allergy Eczema Maxi Panel Tests 

Eczema could occur due to a common allergy to some everyday food items. To check for the same, there are various tests available under the Allergy Eczema Maxi Panel Test.

• Allergy, Lentil: Lentils are some of the food items that can trigger the body system compounds to cause inflammation. As a result, it may cause an eczema flare-up. This test is undertaken to ensure that you are not allergic to lentils.
• Allergy, Milk: Some individuals may be allergic to the proteins present in cow’s milk. This allergy is most commonly observed in infants or children who are atopic. To determine if eczema is caused by a milk allergy, this test is undertaken.
• Allergy, Peanut: Peanuts can play a significant role in triggering the release of T-cells and Immunoglobulin-E. These factors are responsible for causing inflammation, which may lead to a flare-up of your condition.
• Allergy, Rice: Refined carbohydrates like white rice not only have their nutritional value removed but also contribute to inflammation. As a result, they may be responsible for a flare-up of your condition. Hence, the test determines if you have an allergy to rice.
• Allergy, Soya Bean: In some bodies, the immune system mistakes the harmless proteins found in soy as harmful. As a result, it creates antibodies for them and releases histamines to protect the body against them. This ends up in a soya bean allergy which might flare up your eczema.

There are several other allergens like egg, tree nuts, wheat, shellfish, sesame which can cause allergies and this test also checks for those. 

Who Should Get Tested?

Eczema is usually caused by a culmination of factors. These include immune system activation, genetics, environmental triggers, and stress. Due to this skin condition, you might experience depression, anxiety and irritability. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist if the flare-ups are not under control. Avoid inflammation-triggering foods and hydrate yourself as much as possible to stay ahead.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Pooja Solanki, Dermatologist from Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad.
 

Frequently asked questions

Which foods to avoid if I have eczema?

The most common foods that can trigger this skin condition are soy bean, rice, lentils, or milk. Furthermore, you should also exclude items like tomatoes, citrus fruits, some nuts, and spices from the diet. It is advisable to avoid eating green apples, pears, and hazelnuts to prevent eczema flare-ups.

What are some effective eczema treatment options?

Eczema flare-ups can be irritating. Therefore, you can opt for a steroid cream that gives short-term relief from the symptoms. These creams can clear the rash or itchy feeling on your skin. Your doctor can also suggest calcineurin inhibitors to prevent eczema outbreaks. Some doctors may also suggest light therapy using natural or UV light to ease the symptoms. Medicines like dupilumab can also be another solution to ease eczema symptoms.

What is the general duration of eczema symptoms?

Eczema can be a prolonged condition as it can flare up on getting exposed to specific allergens. Depending on the intensity of eczema, you might require a few weeks to recover from symptoms such as itchy, red, or dry skin. Reducing your exposure to eczema triggers is the best solution to prevent this condition. For this purpose, ensure that you undergo an eczema panel blood test from a reputed lab. This way, your doctor can identify the exact triggers and help you manage the outbreaks more efficiently.

Is eczema a contagious skin condition?

Eczema is not a contagious disease. You cannot pass this condition through contact or close proximity. However, if you have eczema, the skin cracks can become vulnerable to infection. This contamination can become a cause of concern for other people. Managing your eczema with the help of suitable treatments is the best way to avoid the spread of secondary infection. Hence, ensure timely testing and treatment of such skin illness.  

Do mental health conditions lead to eczema?

Conditions like stress, sadness, anxiety, and depression can cause eczema flare-ups. In some cases, these aspects can make the existing symptoms worse. Hence, your mental and emotional well-being is crucial in managing such skin conditions. Elevation of stress hormones like cortisol or adrenaline can trigger the common signs of eczema. So, it is vital to test and treat this health condition's signs without delay.