Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol.  2011 Dec;4(4):174-176.

Skin Prick Test Reactivity in Patients with Chronic Eczematous External Otitis

• Celebi Erdivanli O
• Kazikdas K
• Ozergin Coskun Z
• Demirci M

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To investigate the incidence of skin prick test (SPT) positivity in patients with eczematous external otitis.
METHODS
Forty-six patients with eczematous external otitis and forty-four healthy volunteers were included in the study. All the patients were skin-tested by prick test. Reactions were assessed by the degree of redness and swelling and the size of the wheal produced.
RESULTS
According to SPT positivity and total immunoglobulin E values, the difference between the study and the control groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The most common skin reactions were against to mites and grasses in this study.
CONCLUSION
Eczematous external otitis is perhaps the most difficult to treat of all forms of external otitis because the provocative agents usually remain undiagnosed. Patients suffering from eczematous external otitis symptoms should be investigated for allergens and be informed for prevention of the causative agents. SPT might be performed in cases of prolonged or treatment-resistant external otitis.

Keyword

Skin prick test; Chronic eczematous external otitis

MeSH Terms

Allergens
Humans
Immunoglobulin E
Immunoglobulins
Incidence
Mites
Otitis Externa
Poaceae
Skin
Stress, Psychological
Allergens
Immunoglobulin E
Immunoglobulins

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