ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to evaluate to the effects of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinea and Pityrosporum ovale allergens on atopic dermatitis and to compare the patients with and without head and neck involvement. Moreover, the effect of P. ovale on atopic dermatitis according to different geographic conditions was also determined.

Thirty-one patients with atopic dermatitis, who were admitted to İstanbul Medical Faculty Dermatology Clinic, were enrolled. Skin prick tests were performed for P. ovale and house dust mites (D. pteronyssinus ve D. farinea)

Ten patients (32.3%) showed positive reaction to D. pteronyssinus, nine patients (29%) to D. farinea, and nine patients (29%) to P. ovale. Head and neck involvement was observed in 22 patients. Head and neck involvement was mostly seen in the patients in the first two decades of life (48%). Eczema was significantly more severe in the patients with head and neck involvement compared to that in those without (p<0.05). Moreover, the rate of patients with IgE values >500 IU/mL were significantly higher in the head and neck involvement group (p<0.05).

Although the effect of P. ovale on atopic dermatitis in head and neck involvement could not be demonstrated in the present study, it should not be ignored. The results of skin prick test for P. ovale might change according to age and disease severity. Geographical variations of Malassezia species distribution should be kept in mind while evaluating test results. Moreover, it should be remembered that inhalan allergens are also triggering factor in some patients with atopic dermatitis with head and neck involvement.