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Updated: Mar 6, 2026
Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants
Published on: December 20, 2011
Contact sensitization of children: a two-decade years history in Naples
Serena Lembo1, Claudio Lembo2, Cataldo Patruno3
1Department of Medicine, Surgery and Odontology, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.
Insights
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and contact sensitization (CS) have significantly increased in children over the past 20 years. This rise in pediatric skin conditions may be linked to increased chemical exposure.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Allergy
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Contact sensitization (CS) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) were historically considered rare in children.
- Eczematous conditions in pediatric patients require thorough investigation for underlying causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of CS and ACD in children with eczematous conditions.
- To compare current data with findings from a similar study conducted in the late 1980s.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of Patch Test data from a specialized contact allergy database.
- Comparison of recent data (2005-2010) with historical data from the late 1980s.
Main Results:
- 37.5% of 416 pediatric patients showed at least one positive patch test reaction.
- 15.4% were diagnosed with ACD, with nickel sulfate being the most common allergen.
- A significant increase in CS (P<0.001) and ACD (P<0.01) was observed compared to previous data.
Conclusions:
- ACD and CS have significantly increased in the pediatric population over the last two decades.
- Widespread chemical use and early exposure to adult-like products may contribute to this trend.
Background:
Contact sensitization (CS) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) were once thought to be rare in children. The aim of our study was to assess CS and ACD in children affected by eczematous conditions referring to our contact and occupational dermatoses service, and to compare the obtained data to the results of a similar study performed in our Department in late Eighties.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of Patch Test data from the Database of Contact Allergy of the Department of Dermatology, University Federico II of Naples, was performed. Moreover results were compared to previous data recorded and analyzed in our center.
Results:
Of the 416 examined patients, tested during 2005-2010 with the pediatric series, 37.5% developed at least one positive reaction, 15.4% was diagnosed with ACD. The most common allergen was nickel sulphate (16.8%) and the most frequently involved body sites were head and neck (16.3%). Compared to the 1989 study data, our current results highlighted an increase of CS (P<0.001) and ACD diagnosis (P<0.01).
Conclusions:
ACD and CS are significantly increased during the last 20 years in our young patients population. The widespread chemical use and premature adult-like attitude may be responsible for earlier and extended exposure to sensitizers.
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