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Nickel allergy is common in children, with 32 children testing positive in a 5-year study. Patch testing identified nickel, chromate, and rubber chemicals as frequent pediatric contact allergens.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Allergology
- Contact Dermatitis
Background:
- Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition in children.
- Identifying specific allergens is crucial for effective management and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of contact allergens in children.
- To determine the most common allergens causing positive patch test reactions in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year patch testing study was conducted on 168 children aged 14 years or younger.
- The Standard Series of the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG) was used for testing.
Main Results:
- 77 children (45.8%) showed one or more positive patch test reactions.
- Nickel was the most frequent allergen, with 32 children (19%) allergic.
- Chromate and rubber chemicals were also identified as significant allergens.
Conclusions:
- Nickel is a primary contact allergen in the pediatric population.
- Patch testing is effective in identifying relevant allergens in children with suspected contact dermatitis.
Abstract:
168 children, 14 years of age or younger, were patch tested with the Standard Series of the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG) over a 5-year period. 77 of the children had 1 or more positive reactions; relevant test results were found in 80% of them. 8 boys and 24 girls were allergic to nickel, which proved to be the most common allergen; 5 boys and 6 girls reacted to chromate, and 5 boys and 4 girls reacted to one or more of the rubber chemicals.