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A Mouse Ear Model for Allergic Contact Dermatitis Evaluation
Published on: March 24, 2023
Children with atopic dermatitis may have unacknowledged contact allergies contributing to their skin symptoms
A B Simonsen1,2, J D Johansen2, M Deleuran1
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Insights
Children with atopic dermatitis (AD) have a higher risk of developing contact allergies, particularly to metals and skincare ingredients. Patch testing is crucial for identifying these unacknowledged allergies that can worsen skin symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) in children may increase susceptibility to contact allergies due to a compromised skin barrier.
- Previous studies on the link between atopic dermatitis and contact allergy in children have yielded conflicting results.
- There is a recognized risk of underdiagnosing contact allergies in children with atopic dermatitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of contact allergy in Danish children diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.
- To explore how unrecognized allergies contribute to or exacerbate skin symptoms in children with atopic dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 children and adolescents aged 5-17 years with atopic dermatitis.
- Participants underwent patch testing using a standardized pediatric series of 31 allergens.
Main Results:
- Thirty percent of children with atopic dermatitis showed at least one positive patch test reaction.
- Seventeen percent had a relevant contact allergy contributing to their current skin condition.
- The likelihood of contact allergy was significantly associated with the severity of atopic dermatitis.
- Metals and ingredients found in topical skincare products were the most common sensitizers.
Conclusions:
- Patch testing serves as a valuable screening tool for managing children with atopic dermatitis, aiding in the detection of unacknowledged contact allergies.
- Children with atopic dermatitis appear to have an elevated risk of sensitization to specific allergens, including metals and components of skincare products.
Background:
Whether children with atopic dermatitis have an altered risk of contact allergy than children without atopic dermatitis is frequently debated and studies have been conflicting. Theoretically, the impaired skin barrier in atopic dermatitis (AD) facilitates the penetration of potential allergens and several authors have highlighted the risk of underestimating and overlooking contact allergy in children with atopic dermatitis.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence of contact allergy in Danish children with atopic dermatitis and explore the problem of unacknowledged allergies maintaining or aggravating the skin symptoms.
Methods:
In a cross-sectional study, 100 children and adolescents aged 5-17 years with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis were patch tested with a paediatric series of 31 allergens.
Results:
Thirty per cent of the children had at least one positive patch test reaction, and 17% had at least one contact allergy that was relevant to the current skin symptoms. The risk of contact allergy was significantly correlated to the severity of atopic dermatitis. Metals and components of topical skincare products were the most frequent sensitizers.
Conclusion:
Patch testing is relevant as a screening tool in the management of children with atopic dermatitis as they may have unacknowledged contact allergies contributing to or maintaining their skin symptoms. Children with atopic dermatitis seem to be at greater risk of sensitization to certain allergens including metals and components of skincare products.
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