Abstract:

Objective To evaluate the performance of an improved skin prick test in infantile eczema. Methods A self-controlled study was carried out in 248 infants with eczema. Improved and conventional skin prick tests were conducted with 8 allergens on the left and right flexural forearm of the subjects, respectively. Results Positive results of skin prick test were found in the left flexural forearm of 38.3% of the infants, and in the right flexural forearm of 38.7% of the infants, with no significant difference between the two methods in the detection rate of allergens （P > 0.05）. The most common sensitizing allergens were house dust mite and Dermatophagoides culinae as shown by both methods. Conclusions The improved skin prick test displays an acceptable performance with simple and safe procedure in the detection of allergens in infants with eczema, and can provide reliable evidence for clinical diagnosis.

Key words: Improved method