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Patch testing in children and adolescents: five years' experience and follow-up
M Shah1, F M Lewis, D J Gawkrodger
1Department of Dermatology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|January 7, 1998
Summary
Patch testing is valuable for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis in children. Identifying allergens through patch testing and avoiding them significantly improves clinical outcomes within six months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common and significant issue in pediatric populations.
- Limited data exists on the efficacy of patch testing and treatment outcomes for ACD in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of patch testing in children with suspected ACD.
- To assess the clinical outcomes of ACD in pediatric patients following patch testing.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of clinical data from 83 children who underwent patch testing over five years.
- Clinical follow-up was conducted on 68 of the tested subjects.
Main Results:
- Nearly half (49%) of the children experienced one or more allergic reactions upon patch testing.
- Common allergens identified included metals, topical preparations, and food additives.
- Children with a relevant allergen identified via patch testing showed significantly better clinical outcomes at six months compared to those without.
Conclusions:
- Patch testing is a beneficial diagnostic tool for managing pediatric allergic contact dermatitis.
- Allergen identification through patch testing, followed by avoidance, can lead to improved prognoses for children with ACD.