Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

A Mouse Ear Model for Allergic Contact Dermatitis Evaluation
Published on: March 24, 2023
Frequency of contact allergens in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis
Insights
Patch testing is crucial for children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, revealing a high prevalence of contact allergies. Avoiding common allergens like fragrances is recommended for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition often associated with other allergic diseases.
- Contact allergy is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor in refractory pediatric AD.
- Systematic evaluation for contact allergens is not routinely performed in pediatric AD management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of positive patch tests in pediatric patients with and without atopic dermatitis.
- To identify specific allergens that show statistically significant differences in prevalence between atopic and nonatopic children.
- To assess the correlation between eczema severity and the number of positive patch test reactions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients (ages 6-18) with suspected allergic contact dermatitis.
- Inclusion in the Pediatric Research Equity Act Thin-layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous Test trial.
- Statistical analysis using Z-scores to compare allergen prevalence between atopic and nonatopic groups.
Main Results:
- At least one allergen reaction was observed in 78% of patients; 89% in atopic vs. 66% in nonatopic children.
- Higher eczema severity (Eczema Area and Severity Index > 10) correlated with more positive patch tests (Z-score [-]3.28).
- Significant differences noted for Myroxylon pereirae (20% of atopic patients) and fragrance mix (19% of atopic patients).
Conclusions:
- Systematic patch testing is indicated for children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis due to high contact allergy rates.
- Patients with atopic dermatitis and Eczema Area and Severity Index scores > 10 have a higher probability of multiple positive patch tests.
- Avoidance of frequent contact allergens, particularly fragrances, is recommended for prevention in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Objective:
The authors compared the prevalence of positive patch tests in atopic pediatric patients versus nonatopic controls and sought to determine if statistically significant allergen prevalence differences existed between the two groups.
Design:
Retrospective chart review.
Setting:
Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California.
Participants:
Patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis between the ages of 6 and 18 years who had been enrolled in the Pediatric Research Equity Act Thin-layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous Test trial.
Measurements:
Statistical analysis used Z-scores to compare associations between positive reactions in atopic versus nonatopic patients and the prevalence of individual chemicals in either group.
Results:
RESULTS showed that at least one allergen reaction was noted in 78 percent (n=79) of the patients, 89 percent (n=48) in atopic patients, and 66 percent (n= 31) in the nonatopic patients (Z-score 2.78). Eczema area and severity index scores ranged from 0 to 41.75. Eczema area and severity index scores greater than 10 correlated with a higher probability of more than three positive patch tests (Z-score [-]3.28). Statistically significant differences were also observed between atopic and nonatopic patients in regards to contact allergens, with 20 percent (n=11) of atopic patients exhibiting positive patch tests to Myroxylon pereirae and 19 percent (n=10) of those with atopic dermatitis having reactions to fragrance mix.
Conclusion:
The authors concur with prior studies that performing systematic patch testing is indicated in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, given the high rate of contact allergy in the atopic group, especially those with eczema area and severity index scores greater than 10. Furthermore, prevention through exposure avoidance to the most frequent contact allergens, especially fragrances in patients with atopic dermatitis, is recommended.
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