BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis in children is a significant clinical problem. Little information is available concerning the value of patch testing and the outcome in these children. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the value of patch testing in children and the outcome of allergic contact dermatitis in childhood. METHODS: Clinical data on 83 children patch tested during a 5-year period were assessed. Clinical follow-up on 68 subjects was performed. RESULTS: Overall, 41 children had one or more allergic reactions (49%). Reactions to metals, topical preparations, and food additives were common. The clinical outcome at 6 months was significantly better for 36 children with a relevant allergen on patch testing than in 32 with no allergen or no relevant allergen (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Patch testing is useful in the management of children suspected of having an allergic contact dermatitis. Patch testing and subsequent allergen avoidance may improve the prognosis in children with a relevant contact allergen.
BACKGROUND:Allergic contact dermatitis in children is a significant clinical problem. Little information is available concerning the value of patch testing and the outcome in these children. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the value of patch testing in children and the outcome of allergic contact dermatitis in childhood. METHODS: Clinical data on 83 children patch tested during a 5-year period were assessed. Clinical follow-up on 68 subjects was performed. RESULTS: Overall, 41 children had one or more allergic reactions (49%). Reactions to metals, topical preparations, and food additives were common. The clinical outcome at 6 months was significantly better for 36 children with a relevant allergen on patch testing than in 32 with no allergen or no relevant allergen (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Patch testing is useful in the management of children suspected of having an allergic contact dermatitis. Patch testing and subsequent allergen avoidance may improve the prognosis in children with a relevant contact allergen.