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Contact sensitization in children
B M Manzini1, G Ferdani, V Simonetti
1Department of Dermatology, University of Modena, Italy.
Insights
Childhood contact sensitization is common, with 42% of patients showing positive patch tests. Atopy is a significant predisposing factor for this hypersensitivity in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Contact sensitization in children is increasingly reported but its frequency remains debated.
- Eczematous dermatitis in children often requires identification of specific triggers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and common causes of contact sensitization in pediatric patients.
- To investigate the relationship between atopy and contact hypersensitivity in children.
Main Methods:
- Patch testing of 670 children (6 months to 12 years) over a 7-year period (1988-1994).
- Utilized the European standard series with 24 additional haptens at adult concentrations.
Main Results:
- 42% of pediatric patients exhibited positive patch test reactions.
- Thimerosal, nickel sulfate, Kathon CG, fragrance mix, neomycin, wool alcohols, and ammoniated mercury were frequent allergens.
- Children aged 0-3 years showed the highest sensitization rates.
- 77% of sensitized children were atopic, indicating atopy as a predisposing factor.
Conclusions:
- Patch testing is a valuable diagnostic tool for childhood eczematous dermatitis.
- Identifies common allergens responsible for contact sensitization in children.
- Atopy is strongly associated with and may predispose children to contact hypersensitivity.
Abstract:
Our study concerns contact sensitization in children, the frequency of which is still debated in the literature, even though specific reports are increasing. During a 7 year period (1988-1994) 670 patients, 6 months to 12 years of age, were patch tested with the European standard series, integrated with 24 haptens, at the same concentrations as for adults. We observed positive results in 42% of our patients. Thimerosal, nickel sulfate, Kathon CG, fragrance mix, neomycin, wool alcohols, and ammoniated mercury induced most of the positive responses. The highest sensitization rate was found in children from 0 to 3 years of age. Comments on main positive haptens are reported. Seventy-seven percent of our sensitized patients were atopics, suggesting that atopy represents a predisposing factor for contact hypersensitivity. Patch testing represents a useful diagnostic procedure for the definition of childhood eczematous dermatitis and for the identification of agents inducing contact sensitization which is frequently associated with atopic dermatitis.