Pediatric allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is highly prevalent with Patch testing being the prime diagnostic tool. A retrospective study, in a multi-ethnic Asian population, identified the clinical profile of pediatric patients with ACD and the common contact allergens, in children and adolescents aged 16 years or younger with clinically suspected ACD. all enrolled subjects underwent patch testing. 

Data on demographics, atopy history, clinical presentation, and patch test results were further analyzed.

The observations were as follows-

• The study enrolled 252 patients of the mean age of 10.9 years (1.0-16.7 years).
• 79.8% of the enrolled subjects were Chinese and 57.5% were girls.
• 66.3% suffered from mild atopic dermatitis (AD).
• An acral eczematous rash was the most frequent presentation.
• 50.0% was the sensitization rate.
• Nickel sulfate (49.2%) and fragrance mix (19.1%) were the frequent reactions.
• Relevant positive patch tests rate was 72.5%.
• Patients with AD reacted less to fragrance mix and more to disperse blue.
• Younger children had more positive patch tests than adolescents.
• Indians may have a less positive reaction.

Thus it was concluded that Metals and fragrances serve as the frequent allergens for childhood ACD in Singapore. Patients with AD were sensitized less to fragrances, while more to disperse blue dye.

Source- Lee EY, Wee CLP, Tan CH, Wee LWY, Lim CE, Zhao X, Koh MJA, Yew YW, Goon ATJ. Pediatric patch testing in a multi-ethnic Asian population: A retrospective review. Pediatr Dermatol. 2021 Dec 31. doi: 10.1111/pde.14904. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34971009.