This test helps identify whether your skin condition, especially eczema, is triggered by allergies to specific non-vegetarian foods. Eczema is a skin problem that can cause itching, redness, and dryness. Some people find their symptoms get worse after eating certain animal-based foods like fish, eggs, or meat. This panel looks for allergic reactions by measuring proteins called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your blood. The IgE antibodies react to the allergens causing symptoms. Knowing these triggers helps doctors customize treatment and diet plans to better manage eczema and improve skin health.

What It Measures:

This test measures the body’s allergic response specifically to non-vegetarian food items that can cause eczema flare-ups. The main focus is on allergen-specific IgE antibodies in your blood related to various non-vegetarian foods commonly eaten in India. These include:

Fish and seafood (e.g., shrimp, crab, mussels): Identifies sensitivity to proteins in shellfish and fish that often cause allergies.
Eggs: Detects immune reactions to egg proteins which can worsen eczema symptoms.
Red meat (e.g., chicken, lamb, beef): Tests for allergies triggered by certain animal proteins in meat sources.
Other animal products (like dairy if included): May be tested if part of the panel.

Each allergen-specific IgE is measured to see if your immune system has responded abnormally, which can cause eczema flare-ups. The total IgE level is also checked to assess overall allergic tendency. Higher IgE levels indicate stronger allergic responses.

The test uses blood samples to measure these IgE antibodies with accurate laboratory methods like ImmunoCAP.

Why is it Important:

Personalized Care: Knowing specific non-vegetarian foods that cause allergy helps your doctor suggest a diet that avoids triggers, reducing eczema flare-ups.
Better Treatment Plan: Helps doctors monitor allergy severity and guide allergy treatments or skin care plans effectively.
Improves Quality of Life: By identifying hidden food allergens, this test helps reduce persistent itching and skin irritation, improving daily comfort.
Prevents Complications: Early identification of food allergies can prevent worsening of eczema and avoid other allergic reactions.
Monitors Allergy Changes: Over time, repeating the test can show if your allergen sensitivities change, helping adjust treatments accordingly.

When Should I Get This Test?

If you experience recurring eczema flare-ups after eating non-vegetarian foods.
When itching, redness, or dry skin worsens without clear cause.
If your doctor suspects food allergies may be affecting your skin.
For unexplained skin rashes and inflammation linked with diet.
When conventional eczema treatments don’t fully control your symptoms.

Interpretation of Test Results

Understanding what your results might mean is helpful, but always discuss them with a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Result Type	What it Means
Normal	No significant allergic reaction detected to tested foods.
Borderline	Slightly elevated IgE indicating mild sensitivity.
Abnormal	High IgE levels showing strong allergic reaction present.

(Note: Specific normal ranges can vary slightly between labs and depending on individual factors. Always refer to the ranges provided on your report and consult your doctor.)

Additional Information

This test cannot identify all possible allergens; clinical correlation is essential.
Avoid foods suspected to cause symptoms until confirmed by a doctor.
Follow-up with your healthcare provider is important for interpreting results and next steps.

Test Requirements

Sample Type: Blood sample.
Preparation: Fasting not required; you can eat and drink normally.
Precautions: Inform the lab and doctor about any current medications or health conditions.

FAQs

Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for this test as it measures IgE antibodies in blood which are not affected by food intake. However, staying hydrated is recommended.
Can pregnancy affect the test results?
Pregnancy can slightly alter immune responses, but the test is generally reliable. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant before testing.
What does a high IgE level mean in this test?
A high IgE level indicates that your immune system is reacting to certain non-vegetarian foods. This suggests those foods may be causing or worsening eczema symptoms.
I have a high HbA1c; does it affect this test?
HbA1c, a test for blood sugar control, does not influence allergy IgE tests as they measure different aspects of health.
What should I do after getting abnormal results?
Discuss results thoroughly with your doctor. They may suggest dietary changes, allergy treatments, or further tests to manage eczema effectively.

For more information, see Netmeds Health Library blog: Eczema Diet: Here’s What You Should Eat And Avoid To Heal Skin Irritation

Eczema Panel For Non-Vegetarians

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experience

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Customers