Unlocking Hidden Allergy Patterns in Atopic Dermatitis with Advanced IgE Testing

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is far more than a surface-level skin condition. It is a complex inflammatory disease often linked to multiple, overlapping allergies that are difficult to pinpoint using traditional testing alone. A landmark clinical study using the ALEX² Allergy Explorer sheds new light on how advanced molecular allergy diagnostics can uncover hidden sensitisation patterns in AD patients.

By analysing specific IgE responses to nearly 300 allergen extracts and molecular components, researchers applied cluster analysis to reveal how allergens group together based on biological behaviour rather than simple exposure. The findings show that while allergens broadly align with known protein families, the real value lies in identifying cross-reactivity patterns. Especially in patients with persistent eczema, allergic rhinitis, or asthma.

One of the most striking discoveries was the strong cross-reactivity between crustaceans and insects such as locusts, crickets, and mealworms, highlighting why some patients react to unexpected allergens. The study also confirmed the pivotal role of house dust mite components (Der p 2 and Der f 2) in patients with asthma and a family history of atopy, reinforcing their importance as major drivers in the so-called atopic march.

Ultimately, this research demonstrates how component-resolved diagnostics, powered by multiplex testing like ALEX², enable a more precise, personalised approach to allergy diagnosis. For clinicians and laboratories, this means better risk assessment, improved clinical insight, and more informed decision-making, especially in complex, polysensitised patients.

Advanced IgE profiling doesn’t just detect allergies — it reveals the story behind them.

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