A population-based study of self-reported skin exposures and symptoms in relation to contact allergy in adolescents

Knowledge about the relations between skin exposures, skin symptoms and contact allergy in adolescents is limited.

To explore self-reported skin exposures and skin symptoms in girls and boys, and to assess the associations between exposures, symptoms and contact allergy at age 16 years.

In all, 3115 adolescents from the population-based BAMSE birth cohort answered a questionnaire at age 16 concerning various skin exposures and related skin symptoms. Of these, 2285 were patch tested.

The prevalences of self-reported piercing (55.4%), hair dyeing (50.1%) and related skin symptoms were high, particularly in girls. Piercing and itchy rash after contact with metal items were associated with increased risks of nickel allergy [respectively: odds ratio (OR) 1.77, 95%CI: 1.04-3.03, and OR 2.25, 95%CI: 1.57-3.23]. An itchy rash resulting from the use of personal hygiene products or makeup was associated with a positive patch test reaction to fragrance mix I (OR 2.11, 95%CI: 1.02-4.35).

Adolescents are exposed to skin-sensitizing substances, for example because of piercing, hair dyeing, and tattooing. Such early-life skin exposure may lead to lifelong contact allergy and future allergic contact dermatitis and hand eczema.