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Patch Test Results of Contact Sensitization in Children Without Atopic Dermatitis: A Single Tertiary Center
1From the Department of Dermatology, Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Research and Training Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
Insights
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is rising in children. Patch testing reveals preservatives like methylchloroisothiazolinone and formaldehyde are common culprits, likely due to their use in personal care products.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Allergology
- Contact Dermatitis
Background:
- Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) prevalence is increasing in pediatric populations.
- Contact sensitization patterns vary by demographics and geography.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze patch test results for contact sensitization in children diagnosed with ACD.
- Focus on children without a history of atopic dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 89 children (ages 3-18) with ACD from July 2013 to July 2017.
- Exclusion of patients with known atopic dermatitis.
- Utilized the TRUE (Thin-layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous) test series for allergen identification.
Main Results:
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone (16.3%) was the most frequent allergen identified.
- Disperse blue 106 and bacitracin each accounted for 11.6% of positive results.
- Formaldehyde-related allergens collectively yielded 15 positive reactions.
Conclusions:
- Preservatives, including methylchloroisothiazolinone and formaldehyde-releasing agents, are primary allergens in pediatric ACD.
- Increased use of these chemicals in children's personal hygiene products may explain the findings.
- Highlights the importance of identifying specific allergens in pediatric contact dermatitis management.
Background:
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) has become more frequent in children. The prevalence of contact sensitization varies with respect to age, sex, and geographic localization.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to investigate the experience of a tertiary health center regarding the patch test results of contact sensitization in children without atopic dermatitis.
Methods:
This is a retrospective review of 89 children (30 boys and 59 girls) who were aged between 3 and 18 years and who were diagnosed with ACD between July 2013 and July 2017. Children with a known history of atopic dermatitis were excluded. All patients were tested with the TRUE (Thin-layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous) test series.
Results:
The most frequently determined allergens by TRUE test were methylchloroisothiazolinone (n = 7 [16.3%]), disperse blue 106 (n = 5 [11.6%]), and bacitracin (n = 5 [11.6%]). Formaldehyde-related allergens produced 15 positives.
Conclusions:
Preservatives, such as methylchloroisothiazolinone, formaldehyde, and formaldehyde releasers, emerge as the most frequent allergens in children who undergo patch testing because of ACD. This finding might be attributed to the increase in the utilization of these chemical compounds in personal hygiene products for children.
