Journal of Asthma and Allergy (Mar 2023)
Allergen Sensitization in Patients with Skin Diseases in Shanghai, China
Abstract
Chunjiao Zheng, Ying Zou Skin and Cosmetic Research Department, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Ying Zou, Skin and Cosmetic Research Department, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1278 Baode Road, Jingan District, Shanghai, 200443, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-18017336869, Fax +86-21-36803062, Email [email protected]: Allergen distribution has obvious geographical characteristics. Understanding local epidemiological data may provide evidence-based strategies for the prevention and management of disease. We investigated the distribution of allergen sensitization in patients with skin diseases in Shanghai, China.Methods: Data from tests for serum-specific immunoglobulin E were collected from 714 patients with three skin diseases who visited the Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital from January 2020 to February 2022. The prevalence of 16 allergen species, as well as age, sex, and disease-group differences in allergen sensitization, were investigated.Results: Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were the most common aeroallergen species to cause allergic sensitization in patients with skin diseases, whereas shrimp and crab were the most common food-allergen species. Children were more susceptible to various allergen species. With regard to sex differences, males were sensitized to more allergen species than females. Patients suffering from atopic dermatitis were sensitized to more allergenic species than patients with non-atopic eczema or urticaria.Conclusion: Allergen sensitization in patients with skin diseases in Shanghai differed by age, sex, and disease type. Knowing the prevalence of allergen sensitization across age, sex, and disease type may help facilitate diagnostic and intervention efforts, and guide the treatment and management of skin diseases in Shanghai.Keywords: atopic dermatitis, non-atopic eczema, urticaria, specific immunoglobulin E, sensitization
