Contact Allergy in Children in Europe: A Proposal for a Paediatric European Baseline Series

  • the European Baseline Series (EBS) Working Party of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis (ESCD)
  • , Anne Birgitte Simonsen
  • , Thomas Rustemeyer
  • , Suzana Ljubojevicé Hadzavdic
  • , Radoslaw Spiewak
  • , Anna Belloni Fortina
  • , Margarida Gonçalo
  • , Ana Maria Giménez Arnau
  • , Nidia Planella-Fontanillas
  • , Marie L.A. Schuttelaar
  • , Heinrich Dickel
  • , Jonathan White
  • , Györgyi Pónyai
  • , S. Mark Wilkinson
  • , Esen Özkaya
  • , Ella Dendooven
  • , Nives Pustišek
  • , Jeanne Duus Johansen*
  • , Olivier Aerts
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Contact allergy is common in children, but no paediatric baseline series (pEBS) exists in Europe, despite recommendations in several countries.

Objectives: To collect and compare patch testing data from European centres to propose a common pEBS, possibly adapted by age group.

Materials and Methods: Data from 13 centres in 12 European countries were aggregated, covering 1816 children (1099 girls, 60.5%), aged 0–16 years, tested with the adult EBS (aEBS) and other frequent allergens between 2018 and 2022. Allergen selection followed adult criteria, with a stricter cut-off for inclusion, requiring at least 1% positive reactions (lower 95% CI) in children.

Results: A total of 17 allergens from the aEBS caused positive reactions in ≥ 1% of children (lower 95% CI). Common allergens included metals, fragrances, and preservatives. Tixocortol-21-pivalate was included despite its lower frequency due to its difficult-to-suspect nature. Additional frequent allergens were hydroperoxides of limonene and linalool, Amerchol L-101, and sorbitan sesquioleate. In total, 18 allergens were identified as potentially qualifying for a pEBS, with a further 7 as recommended additions.

Conclusion: Results from patch testing children across europe highlight a common set of frequent allergens, which should be considered for a pEBS.

Original languageEnglish
JournalContact Dermatitis
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 19-Sept-2025

Keywords

  • baseline series
  • children
  • contact allergens
  • patch testing

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