Not All Fun and Games: A Case Report of Contact Dermatitis Related to Slime and Play-Doh

Abstract

Slime and Play-Doh have been gaining popularity among adolescents and preteens. Both are gooey, viscoelastic substances that can be morphed and molded into virtually anything imaginable. Slime can be made from several household products including school glue and borax, which have both been linked to cases of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, conditions that historically involve activation of many immune-regulatory cells such as Langerhans' cells and T cells. We review the rising incidence of contact dermatitis related to Slime and Play-Doh, pathogenesis, and hallmark findings, along with several treatment options to help clinicians expediently diagnose and treat the condition.