Pediatric patch testing in a multi-ethnic Asian population: A retrospective review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Pediatric allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a growing health concern.
• Patch testing is the standard diagnostic method for ACD.
• This study focuses on a multi-ethnic Asian pediatric population in Singapore.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical presentation of pediatric ACD.
• To identify prevalent contact allergens in children and adolescents.
• To analyze allergen sensitization patterns in relation to atopic dermatitis (AD) and demographics.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients (≤16 years) with suspected ACD undergoing patch testing.
• Data collected from January 2007 to March 2020 across two Singaporean institutions.
• Evaluation of demographics, atopy history, clinical presentation, and patch test results.

Main Results:

• 252 pediatric patients were analyzed; mean age 10.9 years.
• Common allergens included nickel sulfate (49.2%) and fragrance mix (19.1%).
• Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) were less sensitive to fragrances but more sensitive to disperse blue dye.

Conclusions:

• Nickel and fragrances are primary causes of childhood ACD in Singapore.
• Atopic dermatitis influences sensitization patterns to specific allergens like fragrances and disperse blue dye.
• Age and ethnicity impact patch test positivity rates.