The effect of house dust mite sensitization on skin dermis thickness in children with allergic respiratory diseases.

INTRODUCTION

An impaired skin barrier has been reported in allergic diseases.

AIM

In this study, we aimed to evaluate dermis thickness in children with house dust allergy without skin symptoms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included children aged 4-18 years with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. Participants were divided into three groups: healthy controls ( = 50), patients sensitized to house dust mites ( = 60), and patients with negative house dust mite tests ( = 48). The thickness of the dermis layers of the skin was measured at the cubital fossa using an ultrasound.

RESULTS

The median age and gender distribution were similar across the house dust mite-positive and -negative groups and the healthy control group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of dermis thickness ( = 0.053). Absolute eosinophils and eosinophil percentage were significantly negatively correlated with dermis ( < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between total IgE, house dust mite specific IgE and skin test values and skin thickness ( > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study highlight the impact of house dust mite sensitization on skin thickness, offering potential contributions to the management and treatment strategies of allergic diseases.