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Sunscreen photopatch testing: a series of 157 children
A K Haylett1, Y Z Chiang, Z Nie
1Photobiology Unit, Dermatology Centre, Institute of Inflammation and Repair, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M6 8HD, U.K.
Insights
Photoallergic (PA) and contact allergy (CA) to sunscreens are common in children investigated for photosensitivity. Photopatch testing is recommended for diagnosing these sunscreen allergies in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Allergy
- Photodermatology
Background:
- Sunscreen use is promoted for children's photoprotection.
- Sunscreen chemicals are known causes of photoallergic reactions in adults.
- Data on sunscreen allergies in children are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of photoallergic (PA) and contact allergy (CA) to sunscreens in children under 18.
- To assess children undergoing investigation for suspected photosensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 157 children (aged 3-17) undergoing photopatch testing.
- Testing involved standard UV filters and personal sunscreen products.
- UVA exposure was applied to one series of tests, with readings at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- 10.2% of children showed positive PA and/or CA reactions to UV filters or sunscreen products.
- Specific UV filters implicated included benzophenone-3 and octyl methoxycinnamate.
- Contact allergy (CA) was observed in 5.7% and photoallergy (PA) in 10.2% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Sunscreen-induced PA and CA are frequent in children evaluated for photosensitivity.
- This study represents the largest series of photopatch testing in children.
- Photopatch testing is a valuable diagnostic tool for pediatric photosensitivity.
Background:
Photoprotection including sunscreen use in children is encouraged by health campaigns. While sunscreen chemicals are common causes of photoallergic (PA) contact reactions in adults, limited data are available in children.
Objectives:
To assess the frequency of PA and contact allergy (CA) to sunscreens in children aged < 18 years undergoing investigation for suspected photosensitivity.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis of data on children who underwent photopatch testing to a standard series of nine ultraviolet (UV) filters and to sunscreen products in a single photoinvestigation centre (2000-11). Duplicate series of UV filters and the children's own sunscreen products were applied to the back, with readings taken at sample removal, and at 24 and 48 h after 5 J cm(-2) UVA exposure of one series.
Results:
The analysis comprised 157 children (aged 3-17 years, 69 male and 88 female). In total 10 children (6·4%) showed positive photopatch responses to UV filters and/or their sunscreen products (4·5% to UV filters, 5·7% to their sunscreen products). The responsible UV filters most often identified were benzophenone-3 and octyl methoxycinnamate. Additionally, CA reactions were observed in nine children (5·7%), with 16 children (10·2%) showing PA and/or CA to UV filters and/or sunscreen products.
Conclusions:
This is the largest series of photopatch testing reported in children, and shows that both sunscreen PA and CA are quite frequent in those undergoing photoinvestigation. Photopatch testing should be considered in children presenting with features of photosensitivity.
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