Sweating patterns in atopic dermatitis patients.

Postganglionic sweat output in ten patients with atopic dermatitis was determined by a quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test in which the output results from axon reflex stimulation by acetylcholine iontophoresis. All measurements were obtained from normal skin on the volar aspect of the left wrist and dorsal aspect of the left foot of the atopic patients. Latency, sweat volume, and dynamic sweat pattern were variables included in the study. An abnormal value or configuration was found in nine of the ten patients studied. Seven of the ten patients had abnormal sweat output values. Atopic patients have abnormal sweating patterns, which may be inherently responsible for or related to their disorder.