Contact Dermatitis in Pediatrics

Abstract

Contact dermatitis is an umbrella term that describes the skin's reaction to contacted noxious or allergenic substances. The two main categories of contact dermatitis are irritant type and allergic type. This review discusses the signs, symptoms, causes, and complications of contact dermatitis. It addresses the testing, treatment, and prevention of contact dermatitis. Proper management of contact dermatitis includes avoidance measures for susceptible children. Implementation of a nickel directive (regulating the use of nickel in jewelry and other products that come into contact with the skin) could further reduce exposure to the most common allergens in the pediatric population. [Pediatr Ann. 2016;45(8):e287-e292.].

Pediatric allergic contact dermatitis. Part I: Clinical features and common contact allergens in children

“…70 Examples of ICD include perioral dermatitis (from saliva), diaper dermatitis (from urine, feces, residual cleaning products on toilet seats, and friction), and hand dermatitis (from sanitizers, harsh soaps, and excessive washing). 71 ICD may be more common in children with AD because of impaired barrier function. 72 Other differential diagnoses should also be considered depending on medical history and clinical examination.…”

Axillary manifestations of dermatologic diseases: a focused review

“…However, they present similarly with skin erythema, vesicle or bullae formation, edema, and pruritus localized to the site of contact ( Fig. 1) (1)(2)(3). They often coexist, making their differentiation difficult.…”

“…ACD is an immune reaction mediated by T-cells that is caused by an initial sensitization to an allergen (4). On subsequent allergen exposure, the T-cells produce cytokines, which cause keratinocyte apoptosis through a delayed hypersensitivity reaction (1,2,4). Common substances that cause this delayed hypersensitivity reaction include poison ivy, poison oak, nickel, fragrances, preservatives, sunscreen, soaps, and detergents (2).…”

“…Common substances that cause this delayed hypersensitivity reaction include poison ivy, poison oak, nickel, fragrances, preservatives, sunscreen, soaps, and detergents (2). Patch testing is the gold standard for diagnosing ACD and can be used to differentiate ACD from ICD (1,4). ACD demonstrates an incremental response with subsequent allergen exposure, whereas ICD demonstrates a waning reaction with subsequent allergen exposure on patch testing (2,4,5).…”

“…ACD demonstrates an incremental response with subsequent allergen exposure, whereas ICD demonstrates a waning reaction with subsequent allergen exposure on patch testing (2,4,5). Treatment of both ACD and ICD requires allergen or irritant avoidance (1,2,4). most commonly affects infants, as well as adults in their third and fourth decades of life (6).…”