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A Mouse Ear Model for Allergic Contact Dermatitis Evaluation
Published on: March 24, 2023
[Contact allergy in children]
1Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, UKSH, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Deutschland. jbrasch@dermatology.uni-kiel.de
Insights
Contact allergy in children is common, with nickel and fragrances being frequent culprits. Patch testing and avoiding allergens are key for managing allergic contact dermatitis in kids.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Contact allergy prevalence in children is largely unknown.
- Common allergens include nickel, fragrances, and preservatives in personal care products.
- Persistent eczema or suspected allergy warrants patch testing.
Purpose:
- To outline diagnostic and management strategies for contact allergy in children.
- To highlight common allergens and effective treatments for allergic contact dermatitis.
- To emphasize prophylactic measures for preventing childhood contact allergies.
Summary:
- Patch testing in children uses similar preparations and techniques as in adults, focusing on historically suggested allergens.
- Small Finn-Chambers applied for one day are recommended, with careful assessment of positive readings for clinical relevance.
- Treatment principles mirror adult care, prioritizing topical corticosteroids and avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs due to sensitization risk.
Impact:
- Informs pediatricians and allergists on diagnosing and managing contact allergies in children.
- Provides guidance on selecting appropriate allergens and testing methods for pediatric patients.
- Emphasizes the importance of allergen avoidance for preventing and treating allergic contact dermatitis in childhood.
Abstract:
Although the prevalence of contact allergy in children is largely unknown, the most frequent contact allergens in childhood are nickel, fragrances, p-phenylenediamine, thimerosal, preservatives and components of skin care and hygiene products. Children with persistent eczema or otherwise suspected contact allergy should be patch tested. For children, the same preparations of allergens and test techniques can be used as for adults. Patch tests should be done with allergens suggested by history and with a shortened standard series, at best with small Finn-Chambers that are attached for 1 day only. Positive readings need to be assessed with regard to clinical relevance. In children, the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis follows the same principles as in adults. Topical corticosteroids are agents of well proven efficiency whereas non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be applied to the skin because there is of a risk of contact sensitization. For reasons of prophylaxis it is important to avoid potential contact allergens in childhood.
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