Atopic Dermatitis and Tuberculin Reactivity

Transient suppression of already established tuberculin reactivity by a wide-spread, allergic contact dermatitis as well as by primary irritant contact dermatitis has been recently reported. Similar transient suppression of tuberculin reactivity by the eczematous inflammation of atopic dermatitis is now shown to occur. Thus, when the dermatitis is active, atopic dermatitis patients show diminished tuberculin reactivity. While they are in remission, however, a significant increase of their tuberculin reactivity occurs. Before the onset of dermatitis, their tuberculin reactivity was normal. Healed patients showed normal tuberculin reactivity. The presence of dermatitis may play an important role in the diminished cell-mediated immunity in atopic dermatitis.