Flora B de Waard-van der Spek1, Arnold P Oranje. 1. Paediatric Dermatology Unit, Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. f.dewaard@erasmusmc.nl
Abstract
AIMS: The results of patch testing in children visiting our out-patient clinic with suspected allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) were prospectively investigated and compared with those reported in the literature. A review of the literature on patch testing and ACD in children is provided. METHODS: Children were patch tested using the TRUE test, supplemented with tixocortol-17-pivalate, budesonide and 3 commonly used emollients. Supplementary patch tests were undertaken on indication. RESULTS: Seventy-nine children (31 boys and 48 girls) were patch tested. Of the patients tested, 40 (51%) had 1 or more positive allergic patch test reactions. Twenty-two (55%) of these 40 children suffered from atopic dermatitis, 9 (23%) from hand or foot dermatitis, and 9 (23%) from other skin ailments. Nickel was the most common contact allergen, but many other common and less common allergens were noted to give positive patch tests in patients. CONCLUSION: Sensitization to contact allergens may begin in infancy and continue to be more common in toddlers and young children. In recalcitrant atopic dermatitis, especially at the age of 5 years and over, patch tests are indicated. Good information on preventing the development of ACD in children is useful for caregivers. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.
AIMS: The results of patch testing in children visiting our out-patient clinic with suspected allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) were prospectively investigated and compared with those reported in the literature. A review of the literature on patch testing and ACD in children is provided. METHODS:Children were patch tested using the TRUE test, supplemented with tixocortol-17-pivalate, budesonide and 3 commonly used emollients. Supplementary patch tests were undertaken on indication. RESULTS: Seventy-nine children (31 boys and 48 girls) were patch tested. Of the patients tested, 40 (51%) had 1 or more positive allergic patch test reactions. Twenty-two (55%) of these 40 children suffered from atopic dermatitis, 9 (23%) from hand or foot dermatitis, and 9 (23%) from other skin ailments. Nickel was the most common contact allergen, but many other common and less common allergens were noted to give positive patch tests in patients. CONCLUSION: Sensitization to contact allergens may begin in infancy and continue to be more common in toddlers and young children. In recalcitrant atopic dermatitis, especially at the age of 5 years and over, patch tests are indicated. Good information on preventing the development of ACD in children is useful for caregivers. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Authors: Mark G Lebwohl; James Q Del Rosso; William Abramovits; Brian Berman; David E Cohen; Emma Guttman; Anthony J Mancini; Lawrence A Schachner Journal: J Clin Aesthet Dermatol Date: 2013-07