title: Allergic contact dermatitis: Kids are not just little people.
abstract: Over the last ten years, there has been an increased awareness of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in children, in addition to adults. Historically, ACD was not considered a significant disease in the pediatric population. This may have been due to failure to employ patch testing, which is the gold standard for establishing a diagnosis of ACD. A number of epidemiologic studies now reflect upon the significance of positive patch tests in children and its utility in diagnosing ACD. While there is significant overlap among the most common allergens in children and adults, the patterns of exposure and sources of allergens can significantly differ, because children have distinct experiences related to their exposure to personal care products, articles of clothing, and time spent in play as opposed to work. Evaluation of the pediatric patient with dermatitis involves specialized knowledge in taking the pediatric history and specific techniques employed for successful patch test application.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA. Electronic address: babrod@comcast.net.
authors.forename: Bruce A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Brod
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Electronic address: treat@email.chop.edu.
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Treat
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor of Dermatology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT. Electronic address: rothe@uchc.edu.
authors.forename: Marti Jill
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Rothe
authors.affiliation: Professor of Dermatology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Electronic address: sjacob@contactderm.net.
authors.forename: Sharon E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Jacob
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002081:Buttocks; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019557:Dermatitis, Perioral / Q000209:etiology*; D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology; D005835:Genitalia; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007868:Leg Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010328:Patch Tests; D013848:Thigh
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens