Asymptomatic food hypersensitivity prevalence in patients with eczematous external otitis

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to investigate the association between food hypersensitivity and eczematous external otitis.

Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 27 patients with eczematous external otitis and 16 healthy volunteer were included. The existence of food hypersensitivity was defined by positive epicutaneous prick test and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.

Results: Food allergy test was positive in 13 (48.1%) out of 27 cases with eczematous external otitis, and it was positive in 2 (12.5%) out of 16 cases in control group. The difference between 2 groups was statistically significant (P =.02). Specific IgE seropositivity (51.9%) was high in the patients with eczematous external otitis compared with the control group (12.5%) (P =.02).

Conclusions: Food hypersensitivity may be a factor, which should be considered in eczematous external otitis patients. Patients suffering from eczematous external otitis symptoms should be evaluated for food hypersensitivity.