The use of cosmetics by children and adolescents increases the risk of sensitization, which may cause allergic or irritative contact dermatitis. It is more common in girls. Cosmetic reactions can be of two types: 1) Allergic or hypersensitivity contact dermatitis resulting from previous sensitization; 2) Irritative contact dermatitis that occurs after product application (redness, itching, burning). There is no immune mechanism. Nickel is the sensitizer most related to pediatric contact dermatitis. It is present in piercings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings. In addition, some cosmetics may contain metals: nail polish, eye shadow, eye mascara, eyeliner and lipstick. Other allergens reported in contact dermatitis in this age group are cobalt, fragrance mix, lanolin, neomycin, balsam of Peru, thimerosal, formaldehyde, paraphenylenediamine and rubber. Paraphenylenediamine, used in hair dyes and black henna, causes most cases of contact dermatitis reported in children and teenagers with black henna tattoos. The fashion for temporary henna tattoos in children should be discouraged. Cosmetics implicated in childhood dermatitis include nail polish, lipstick, eye makeup products and deodorants. Manifestations on the skin are itching, redness, swelling, blistering and scaling. Usually appearing at the area where there was contact with the substance, but it can occur in other parts. Symptoms begin 12 to 48 hours after contact and may persist for a few weeks. Allergy to cosmetics does not appear at the first time, when the product is used, but with the elapse of time and frequent use. Allergic contact dermatitis can have a negative impact on the quality of children’s life and their families, caused by loss of sleep due to itchiness, irritability and feeling of inferiority between age groups. The diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis is confirmed by patch testing, correlated with the clinical history. Treatment is done to alleviate the symptoms; contact with the causative substances should be avoided
Reference:
Sharma VK, Asati DP. Pediatric contact dermatitis. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2010 Sep-Oct;76(5):514-20. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.69070. PMID: 20826990.
