Patch testing in children and adolescents: five years' experience and follow-up.

BACKGROUND

Allergic contact dermatitis in children is a significant clinical problem. Little information is available concerning the value of patch testing and the outcome in these children.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to assess the value of patch testing in children and the outcome of allergic contact dermatitis in childhood.

METHODS

Clinical data on 83 children patch tested during a 5-year period were assessed. Clinical follow-up on 68 subjects was performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 41 children had one or more allergic reactions (49%). Reactions to metals, topical preparations, and food additives were common. The clinical outcome at 6 months was significantly better for 36 children with a relevant allergen on patch testing than in 32 with no allergen or no relevant allergen (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Patch testing is useful in the management of children suspected of having an allergic contact dermatitis. Patch testing and subsequent allergen avoidance may improve the prognosis in children with a relevant contact allergen.