Examining the benefits of extended patch test series in children: a comprehensive analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The growing presence of allergens in materials and scarce data on allergic contact dermatitis in children has increased our need to refine its diagnosis in this population. We aimed to analyze children's specific responsivity to highly reactive subcomponents of Fragrance mix I, Fragrance mix II, and Textile dye mix from the European baseline series.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patch test records of children aged 2 to 18 who underwent patch testing with the European baseline series between 2014 and 2022 in Israel.

RESULTS: A total of 367 children were included in the study. In all, 160 children had positive results; 43 patients reacted to one of the mixes, and 20 performed further testing. Eleven of them completed the extended series at the exact same times as the regular European series, which benefited children. Farnesol was the most reactive compound (30.8%).

CONCLUSIONS: Performing the extended European series provides a more accurate and time-efficient allergic contact dermatitis diagnosis. Farnesol reactivity appears prominent in children and may justify tighter product regulations.