Question 1

What is eczema?

Accepted Answer

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing red, itchy, inflamed patches. It is caused by immune system dysfunction triggered by allergens including food proteins, environmental factors like cockroach allergens, and irritants. The Respiratory Allergy Profile Region VIII is the most important test for identifying environmental triggers that worsen eczema symptoms.

Question 2

What causes eczema?

Accepted Answer

Eczema is caused by a combination of immune system dysfunction and genetic factors that make your skin barrier weak and reactive. When you have eczema, your skin overreacts to triggers like food allergens (dairy, nuts, eggs), environmental allergens (dust mites, pet dander, cockroach proteins), harsh soaps, stress, and weather changes. The immune system releases inflammatory chemicals that cause the characteristic red, itchy, inflamed patches on your skin. Many people with eczema also have other allergic conditions like asthma or hay fever, suggesting a shared immune system sensitivity.

Question 3

What is the best test for eczema?

Accepted Answer

The Respiratory Allergy Profile Region VIII is the most important test for eczema because it detects environmental allergens like cockroach proteins, dust mites, mold spores, and pollen that trigger inflammatory skin reactions and worsen eczema symptoms. This comprehensive panel helps identify the specific environmental factors causing your flare-ups. Additionally, food allergy testing is essential for complete eczema management. The Beta lactoglobulin IgG test identifies milk protein sensitivity, the Cashew Nut IgG test detects tree nut allergies, and the Food Specific IgG Lima Bean test can reveal legume sensitivities. These tests measure IgG antibodies that indicate which foods and environmental factors are triggering your immune system to cause eczema flare-ups, allowing you to avoid your specific triggers.

Question 4

When should I get tested for eczema?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice persistent itchy, red, or inflamed patches on your skin that come and go, especially if they worsen after eating certain foods or being in specific environments. Get tested if over-the-counter creams are not controlling your symptoms, if you have family members with eczema or allergies, if you also experience asthma or hay fever, or if you cannot identify what is triggering your flare-ups. Testing is particularly important if your eczema interferes with sleep, daily activities, or quality of life, or if you have tried eliminating common triggers without improvement.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Accepted Answer

Eczema symptoms include intensely itchy skin, red or brownish-gray patches, small raised bumps that may leak fluid when scratched, and dry, cracked, or scaly skin. You might notice these patches on your hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, and inside the bend of elbows and knees. The skin may become thickened and leathery from repeated scratching. Symptoms often flare up periodically and then calm down, and the itching can be worse at night, disrupting sleep.

Question 6

Who is at risk for eczema?

Accepted Answer

People with a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever have the highest risk for developing eczema due to genetic factors affecting immune function and skin barrier integrity. Children are particularly susceptible, with most cases starting before age 5, though eczema can develop at any age. Those with other allergic conditions, people living in urban areas or cold climates with low humidity, and individuals frequently exposed to irritants like harsh soaps or chemicals face increased risk. Healthcare workers, hairstylists, cleaners, and others with occupational exposure to skin irritants are also at higher risk.

Question 7

What happens if eczema is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated eczema can lead to chronic skin infections from bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus entering through scratched, broken skin. Persistent scratching creates a cycle of itching and scratching that thickens and permanently damages the skin, a condition called lichenification. You may develop asthma and hay fever if the underlying allergic tendency progresses. Sleep deprivation from nighttime itching can affect concentration, work performance, and mental health. Visible skin changes may cause embarrassment, social isolation, anxiety, and depression. In severe cases, widespread skin inflammation can affect your ability to regulate body temperature.

Question 8

Can eczema be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Eczema itself is diagnosed by a doctor examining your skin, not by blood tests alone. However, blood tests are essential for identifying the specific allergens and triggers that cause your eczema flare-ups. IgG antibody tests can detect food sensitivities to dairy proteins, nuts, legumes, and other foods that worsen eczema. Allergy panels identify environmental triggers like dust mites, pet dander, mold, pollen, and cockroach allergens. These blood tests help you and your healthcare provider create a personalized management plan by knowing exactly which foods and environmental factors to avoid.

Question 9

How is eczema treated?

Accepted Answer

Eczema treatment focuses on repairing the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and avoiding identified triggers. Moisturizers should be applied multiple times daily to keep skin hydrated. Topical corticosteroid creams reduce inflammation during flare-ups, while calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus offer non-steroid options for sensitive areas. Antihistamines help control itching, especially at night. Once blood tests identify your specific food and environmental allergens, avoiding those triggers becomes the foundation of treatment. For severe cases, phototherapy using ultraviolet light or systemic medications like dupilumab may be prescribed. Keeping nails short prevents skin damage from scratching.

Question 10

How can I prevent eczema flare-ups?

Accepted Answer

Prevent eczema flare-ups by moisturizing your skin at least twice daily with thick, fragrance-free creams or ointments, especially right after bathing. Avoid your identified food and environmental allergens based on blood test results. Take short, lukewarm baths or showers using mild, fragrance-free cleansers instead of harsh soaps. Wear soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and avoid wool or synthetic materials that irritate skin. Use a humidifier in dry environments, manage stress through relaxation techniques, and identify and avoid personal triggers like certain foods, pet dander, or temperature extremes. Wash new clothes before wearing them to remove irritating chemicals.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with eczema?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies that help manage eczema include applying coconut oil as a moisturizer due to its antibacterial properties that reduce skin infections. Colloidal oatmeal baths soothe itching and inflammation when added to lukewarm bath water. Sunflower seed oil improves skin barrier function and reduces inflammation when applied topically. Taking probiotics may help modulate immune responses and reduce eczema severity, especially in children. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements have anti-inflammatory effects. Aloe vera gel provides cooling relief for inflamed skin. However, these natural approaches work best alongside avoidance of identified allergens from blood testing and should complement, not replace, medical treatment for moderate to severe eczema.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Eczema Blood Test

What is Eczema?

What causes eczema?

What is the best test for eczema?

When should I get tested for eczema?

References

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