Abstract
Allergic contact dermatitis is increasingly recognized as an important trigger of eczematous skin inflammation in children. It is a distinct immunological entity, but clinically and histopathologically can often be difficult to distinguish from irritant contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. In fact, all three skin conditions can occur concomitantly and atopic dermatitis is a well-established risk factor for allergic contact dermatitis. Patch testing is the main method of identifying contact allergens and is therefore key to llergic contact dermatitis management through allergen avoidance. This chapter discusses the patho-aetiology and epidemiology as well as clinical features of allergic contact dermatitis. Peculiarities of patch testing in children, allergens of particular importance in paediatric patients and areas which still require further research are discussed. The reviewed evidence is based on a comprehensive Medline search, using the terms 'contact dermatitis' and 'children' from inception until April 2009. The online search was supplemented by hand searches of the literature.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Harper's Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology |
| Subtitle of host publication | Third Edition |
| Publisher | WILEY-BLACKWELL |
| Pages | 1-13 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Volume | 1 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781405176958 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 24 May 2011 |
Keywords
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Compositae
- Nickel
- Patch test