The timing of immunoglobulin E (IgE) sensitization to microbial allergens was studied in 53 children (1-6 years) with mild-moderate atopic dermatitis (AD). IgE sensitization to the staphylococcal superantigen group, Malassezia species and Candida albicans was significantly associated with older age children (3 years or older) with odds ratios of 4.9, 4.7 (P = 0.02 for both) and 4.0 (P < 0.05), respectively. Larger prospective studies are needed for to confirm these findings (Ong, P.Y. et al. Br J Dermatol 2010, 162(1): 159).