Diagnosis and management of allergic contact dermatitis in children: Common allergens that can be easily missed

Abstract

Purpose of review Contact dermatitis is an economically burdensome pediatric disease, and it is important to know the top allergens that have remained as top offenders for over the last decade. Recent findings A comparative analysis of the 20-allergen screen was done against the current top 40 pediatric allergens, and it revealed that the 20-allergen screening series would have theoretically only captured 47.5% of the relevant contact allergens (52.5% failure to detect rate). In addition, the T.R.U.E. Test (SmartPractice, Phoenix, Arizona, USA) would have revealed 60% of the top 40 allergens (40% failure to detect rate). Summary Patch testing in children has become a more common practice, and management requires the identification and avoidance of the offending allergen from the sensitized person's environment.