Hyperimmunoglobulin E Syndrome

Hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome is a rare disorder of the immune system in which the person has very high levels of a type of antibody, which is associated with recurrent infections and skin problems from an early age.

Common manifestations:

• Eczema or recurrent skin rashes
• Repeated skin and lung infections
• Abscesses that sometimes present with few inflammatory symptoms

When is it worth evaluating? When skin and respiratory infections recur unusually from childhood, along with persistent skin problems.

Who treats it? The allergist and immunologist studies disorders of the body's defenses, and the dermatologist assists in managing the skin lesions. When there are unexplained recurrent infections accompanied by eczema, evaluating the condition with these professionals helps guide the workup.