Health Contact Allergies in Children What are the most common triggers?

The most common triggers of contact allergy in children
Up to 20 percent of Germans suffer from a contact allergy. Many children are affected too. Direct contact with the respective allergy trigger leads to reddening, blisters, swelling or a itching, itchy rash on the affected areas. Researchers found most contact allergens in children.

Up to 20 percent of Germans have a contact allergy
Contact allergies are common. According to the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB), 15 to 20 percent of the German population is sensitized and allergic to at least one of the most common contact allergens. After direct contact with the allergy triggers, symptoms such as redness, severe itching, swelling, blisters and a weeping rash occur on affected skin. Contact with the allergen should therefore be avoided unconditionally and consistently. But you have to know what causes the allergic reactions.

Health experts say that up to 20 percent of Germans suffer from a contact allergy. Researchers have now identified the most common contact allergens for children. (Photo: kanachaifoto / fotolia.com)

Some substances are especially common as allergens
"Theoretically, any natural or artificial substance can trigger an allergy," writes the DAAB. "Some substances, such as certain metals, fragrances or preservatives, are particularly common allergens."

A research team around Dr. Hannah Hill from the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale (USA) reviewed pediatric data on allergy testing in a study to identify the majority of contact allergens in children.

Dr. Catalina Matiz, a pediatrician in San Diego, California, presented the findings on the Pediatric News web portal and offered practical advice on how to avoid allergens.

The most common contact allergens in children
The Professional Association of Paediatricians (BVKJ) lists on its website "kinderaerzte-im-netz.de" the most common allergens - in descending order - on.

tixocortol pivalate; a corticosteroid, which is included in nasal sprays, among others.

Propylene glycol; a solvent used, for example, to dissolve earwax.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) / Methylisothiazolinone (MI): These serve as preservatives and are now banned in Europe on non-rinsable cosmetics, according to BVKJ.

cocamidopropyl; a surfactant that is foam-stabilizing and viscostatic in shampoos and shower gels.

Lanolin, "also known as wool wax, is widely used in personal care products for atopic dermatitis patients," Dr. Matiz.

benzalkonium chloride; an antiseptic that works against viruses and bacteria and often serves as a preservative for nasal drops and sprays.

Neomycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Nickel is listed last in the list. The health risk of a contact allergy through this metal is often discussed in this country, not least because more and more nickel is processed in costume jewelry.

Even before the possibility of skin swelling through the iPad due to nickel traces had warned experts in recent years.

Avoid contact with known allergy triggers
People with a contact allergy should avoid contact with the allergen unconditionally and consistently. If necessary, individual protective measures can be taken: Protective gloves, skin protection foam or skin protection creams help in some cases.

Existing skin eczema is usually treated by medication. Dr. Matiz recommends allergy testing if the symptoms have not improved after eight weeks despite the avoidance of allergens.

The expert also pointed out that in patients with atopic dermatitis contact allergies should be suspected, if the location of the rash is not typical of atopic dermatitis, if the rash is geometrically or symmetrically shaped, or if atopic dermatitis treatment does not work or the eczema worsens , (Ad)