Contact dermatitis in children caused by diabetes devices

Insulin pumps and glucose monitoring devices improve diabetes mellitus control and enhance patients' quality of life. However, a growing number of adverse cutaneous reactions related to the use of these devices have been reported.

To investigate the culprits of localized contact dermatitis in paediatric patients with diabetes caused by insulin pumps and glucose monitoring devices.

Retrospective analysis of 15 paediatric patients patch tested as part of a clinical investigation for skin reactions associated with insulin pumps and glucose monitoring devices.

Seven patients had positive patch test reactions to isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) and five had positive reactions to benzoyl peroxide (BP). Positive patch test reactions to materials from the glucose sensor and/or insulin pump were seen in 10 of the 15 patients. Three had positive reactions to adhesive remover wipe from Smith and Nephew Remove and four had reactions to EMLA plaster.

A high share of patients showed positive reactions to IBOA and/or their medical devices (insulin pumps or glucose devices). A third of patients showed positive reactions to BP. The presence of additional unidentified allergens cannot be excluded, highlighting the importance of access to a full description of the chemical composition of the devices.