T and B lymphocytes in contact and atopic dermatitis.

Twenty patients with contact dermatitis, eighteen with atopic dermatitis, two with mixed dermatitis, and 20 controls were examined for the number of T and B lymphocytes, and serum concentrations of IgD and IgE. Significantly higher counts of B lymphocytes bearing IgE and high serum IgE values were found in the atopic group. No other significant differences were found. In particular, we found a normal frequency of IgD bearing lymphocytes in contact dermatitis, and normal T lymphocyte counts in both groups of patients.