[Allergy testing in atopic dermatitis: often unnecessary]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease from which many children and adults suffer. In the Netherlands, the majority of patients with AD are treated in the primary health care setting. There is no clear consensus about whether or not to conduct allergy testing in patients with AD. Determining sensitization to inhalant allergens in children with AD has no consequences for its treatment and course and is therefore not necessary. Allergy testing is useful if the child is suspected of having allergic asthma or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Determining sensitization to food allergens in children with AD without a positive history of acute allergic reactions to food has no therapeutic consequences and could result in the unnecessary prescription or following of elimination diets.- Similarly, determining sensitization to inhalant and food allergens has no influence on the treatment regimen for adults with AD. This type of testing is therefore not useful, unless the medical history reveals indications for the occurrence of acute allergic reactions to certain allergens.