T-cell subset assay. A useful differentiating marker of atopic and seborrheic eczema in infancy?

To confirm T-cell changes previously reported in atopic eczema, to compare T-cell subset values in atopic and seborrheic infants, and to determine whether T-cell subset assay would be a useful differentiating marker between atopic and seborrheic infants, three age- and sex-matched groups of normal, seborrheic, and atopic infants were recruited. T-cell subset values, total serum IgE, and serum IgE to specific allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssimus, cat epithelium, dog dander, rye grass, egg white, and milk) were measured. The results showed that total and allergen-specific IgE levels were higher in atopic disease in infancy, but no statistical differences in T-cell subset values between seborrheic and atopic infants were found. T-cell subset values are therefore not a reliable differentiating marker between atopic and seborrheic eczema in infancy.