Does sensitization to contact allergens begin in infancy?

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A L Bruckner1, W L Weston, J G Morelli

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, USA.

Pediatrics
|January 5, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric allergic contact sensitization is prevalent, with 24.5% of children under five showing positive reactions to common allergens like nickel and thimerosal. This study confirms that infants can develop sensitization to contact allergens.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Allergology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Previous research indicates allergic contact sensitization is common in children by age five.
  • The prevalence and occurrence of sensitization in infants remain less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of positive epicutaneous test results in children younger than five years.
  • To investigate if sensitization to contact allergens is as common in infancy as in older children.

Main Methods:

  • Ninety-five asymptomatic children aged 6 months to 5 years underwent epicutaneous patch testing using the T.R.U.E. Test system.
  • Allergens were applied to the skin for 48 hours, with positive reactions evaluated at a follow-up visit.

Main Results:

  • Of 85 children who completed the study, 20 (24.5%) exhibited one or more positive reactions to tested allergens.
  • Positive reactions were observed in children as young as 6 months, with nickel and thimerosal being the most frequent allergens.
  • Fourteen percent of children reacted to nickel, and 10% reacted to thimerosal.

Conclusions:

  • Contact allergen sensitization can occur in children as young as six months of age.
  • The prevalence of sensitization to common contact allergens in this pediatric cohort is 24.5%.
  • Infants may develop sensitization to contact allergens, highlighting the need for early detection and prevention strategies.
Abstract

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