ABSTRACT
Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) is a cutaneous reaction caused by a type IV cell-mediated reaction to an allergen; the reaction will recur with subsequent re-exposure to the same or cross-reacting allergen.5 All age groups are affected by CD even though it is rarer in the fi rst 10 yrs. of life.6 There is a slight female preponderance that may be due to greater exposure to cosmetics and jewelry. The allergens in ACD in children are generally comparable to the general adult population, with similar occurrences of nickel, fragrances, Toxicodendron and rubber chemicals. In patients with Atopic Dermatitis (AD), the percent of positive patch test results varies from 23 to 49.4 percent which may be due to already impaired skin barrier in these patients.7-11 A cross-sectional study of 1501 children aged 12 to 16 yr using questionnaires, examination and patch testing found that the point prevalence of contact allergy was 15.2 percent (girls (19.4%) > boys, (10.3%); P < 0.001), and present or past ACD was found in 7.2 percent girls (11.3%) > boys (2.5%).12 Risk factors in patients with occupational dermatitis that confer a worse prognosis include ACD to nickel or chromium, delay of adequate treatment and a history of AD.3
