Some Problems about the Allergological Examination

Author’s address: Dr. E. Young, Universiteitskliniek voor Huidziekten, Academisch Ziekenhuis, Utrecht (Netherlands) Two different problems are discussed: the problem of the hyperand hyposensitivity of the skin and the problem of group reactions. 1. Hyperas well as hyposensitivity of the skin can interferewith the allergological examination, because of the possibility ofaspecific positive and aspecific negative skin reactions. A number of characteristics are mentioned of the hyperand the hyposensitivity of the skin. Sometimes a combination is seen of aspecific hypersensitivity of the skin, not allergic urticaria and rhinitis vasomotoria non allergica. 2. If the skin reactions are certainly specific and caused byreagins (antibodies) ‚ one has still the problem of group reactions, which means here the appearance of positive reactions on a largegroup of related allergens. In some cases only one allergen out of the whole group can be made responsible for the complaints of the patient. A good anamnesis in such cases is indispensable for the detection of the allergen which causes the clinical symptoms. The latter problem is illustrated by the example of pollen allergy. T. The problem of the relation of the inhalant allergens is discussed on the basis of recent investigations on this subject at the Department of Dermatology of the State University in Utrecht.