Skin reactivity in allergic conjunctivitis

Abstract

Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an IgE-mediated mechanism or immediate hypersensitivity due to allergen direct contact on the conjunctival surface of sensitized patients, which elicits mastocyte activation and inflammatory mediators' release. Up to 47% of patients with allergic conjunctivitis can develop sensitization to perennial allergens; more than 24% of patients can experience sensitization to multiple allergens. To estimate positive skin reactivity to allergens in patients diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis in the allergology outpatient clinic of Centro de Especialistas Santo Domingo, in Cartagena, Colombia, during 2017. Cross-sectional study of 92 patients aged between 3 and 74 years, included by convenience sampling. 70.65% had positive skin prick tests to at least one allergen. Most common allergens with positive skin reactivity were house dust mites (65.2%), animal epithelia (15.2%), insects (15.2%) and food (14.1%). Allergic rhinitis (51%), allergic asthma (23%) and atopic dermatitis (10%) were the most commonly associated allergic pathologies. Positive skin reactivity to the studied allergens was significantly higher in patients with allergic conjunctivitis and other associated conditions.