Contact sensitization of children: a two-decade years history in Naples.

BACKGROUND: Contact sensitization (CS) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) were once thought to be rare in children. The aim of our study was to assess CS and ACD in children affected by eczematous conditions referring to our contact and occupational dermatoses service, and to compare the obtained data to the results of a similar study performed in our Department in late Eighties.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of Patch Test data from the Database of Contact Allergy of the Department of Dermatology, University Federico II of Naples, was performed. Moreover results were compared to previous data recorded and analyzed in our center.

RESULTS: Of the 416 examined patients, tested during 2005-2010 with the pediatric series, 37.5% developed at least one positive reaction, 15.4% was diagnosed with ACD. The most common allergen was nickel sulphate (16.8%) and the most frequently involved body sites were head and neck (16.3%). Compared to the 1989 study data, our current results highlighted an increase of CS (P<0.001) and ACD diagnosis (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: ACD and CS are significantly increased during the last 20 years in our young patients population. The widespread chemical use and premature adult-like attitude may be responsible for earlier and extended exposure to sensitizers.