Pre-Emptive Avoidance Strategy (P.E.A.S.) - addressing allergic contact dermatitis in pediatric populations.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Pediatric allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a growing concern in the U.S.
• Positive patch test rates in children with suspected ACD range from 27% to 95.6%.
• Young children are increasingly sensitized to allergens in personal hygiene products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the most common allergens causing ACD in children.
• To review recent pediatric patch test studies focusing on personal hygiene products.

Main Methods:

• A review of five recent pediatric patch test studies.
• Identification of the top allergens associated with ACD in children from these studies.

Main Results:

• The top ten allergens identified were: neomycin, balsam of Peru, fragrance mix, lanolin, cocamidopropylbetaine, formaldehyde, corticosteroids, methylchlorisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazolinone (MI), propylene glycol, and benzalkonium chloride.
• These allergens are frequently found in personal hygiene products used by children.

Conclusions:

• A significant portion of pediatric ACD cases may be linked to these top ten allergens.
• Implementing a 'pre-emptive avoidance strategy' (P.E.A.S.) for these allergens could benefit approximately one-third of children with ACD.