Effects of slime toy poisoning in children and teenagers / Efeitos da intoxicação por slime em crianças e adolescentes

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to identify which types of skin reactions are associated with slime toys and which of their ingredients are most frequently involved in cases of poisoning. Data source: Between January and July 2021, articles were selected using PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases. The following descriptors were used: (dermatitis OR rash OR eczema OR inflammation) AND slime. Inclusion criteria were articles available in full, in either Portuguese, English, or Spanish, published between January 2000 and July 31, 2021, and articles reporting cases of contact dermatitis or eczema potentially or directly attributed to slime toys. Articles not meeting these criteria and duplicate texts in the databases were excluded. Data synthesis: In total, 65 publications were identified, of which 16 were included in this review. This resulted in a total of 22 children (2 males, 20 females), aged between 4 and 13 years, who were reportedly intoxicated by slime toys, most of these being linked to homemade preparations. Studies reported the occurrence of contact or allergic dermatitis on hands, fingers, nails, forearms, and cheeks. The most allergenic and/or irritant ingredients included liquid detergent and soap. Additionally, patch tests identified positive reactions to methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, the preservatives used by chemical industries on preparation of glue, soap, detergents, etc. Conclusions: Although slime toys might be important for improving motor development and parental relationships, homemade slime toy recipes include several allergenic and irritant ingredients which might be exposed to vulnerable children and cause intoxications. Therefore, homemade slime toys preparations should be used cautiously and under the supervision of adults.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar quais tipos de reações de pele e ingredientes do brinquedo slime estão frequentemente envolvidos em relatos de intoxicação. Fontes de dados: Entre janeiro e julho de 2021, ocorreu a seleção dos artigos, utilizando-se as bases de dados: United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS). Foram utilizados os seguintes descritores: (dermatitis OR rash OR eczema OR inflammation) AND slime. Incluíram-se artigos disponíveis na íntegra, em português, inglês ou espanhol, publicados entre janeiro de 2000 e 31 julho de 2021, que relatassem casos de crianças e adolescentes que apresentaram reação cutânea após a manipulação do brinquedo slime. Foram excluídos artigos sem aderência ao tema e textos duplicados nas bases de dados. Síntese dos dados: Identificaram-se 65 publicações, sendo 16 utilizadas para a elaboração desta revisão. Isso resultou no total de 22 crianças (duas do sexo masculino, 20 do feminino), com idades entre quatro e 13 anos, que teriam sido intoxicadas por slime, a maioria dos casos ligado a preparações caseiras. Estudos relataram a ocorrência de dermatite de contato ou alérgica nas mãos, dedos, unhas, antebraços e bochechas. Os ingredientes mais alergênicos e/ou irritantes foram detergentes líquidos e sabão. Ademais, o patch test identificou reações positivas para metilisotiazolinona e metilcloroisotiazolinona, que são conservantes utilizados em produtos como cola, sabão, detergente, etc. Conclusões: Ainda que o brinquedo slime seja importante para o desenvolvimento motor e das relações parentais, receitas caseiras incluem vários ingredientes alergênicos e irritantes, que podem ser expostos a crianças vulneráveis e causar intoxicações. Sendo assim, as preparações do slime devem ser feitas com cautela e sob supervisão de adultos.

Sensitizing agents found in children and adolescents with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis: a cross-sectional study with a pediatric battery.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis is the most common inflammatory skin disease in childhood and has an important impact on quality of life, especially severe cases or those that are recalcitrant to treatments. Sensitization to allergens with the potential for allergic contact dermatitis is a factor associated with cases of recalcitrant atopic dermatitis. Understanding the relationship between atopic dermatitis, allergens, and allergic contact dermatitis is essential. In Brazil, there are no studies on sensitization to allergens found in patch tests with pediatric batteries in patients with atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVES: To verify the main sensitizing agents, the prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis and the epidemiological and clinical profile of children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis. METHODS: Cross-sectional, prospective study in patients between 4 and 18 years of age, with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis, treated at the Sanitary Dermatology Outpatient Clinic (RS). All patients underwent patch tests with a battery of pediatric allergens. RESULTS: The prevalence of sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis in the evaluated patients was 37.07% (20/54) and 27.7% (15/54), respectively. The most frequent allergens were: nickel sulfate (16.7%), disperse blue (5.6%), and fragrance mix I (5.6%). Nickel was associated with the female sex (p = 0.019). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Sample size and selection, absence of a control group. CONCLUSIONS: A proportion of patients with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis may be sensitized to different allergens and may even have developed allergic contact dermatitis. Recognizing this context is important in the prevention strategy and management of the disease.

Sensitizing agents found in children and adolescents with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis: a cross-sectional study with a pediatric battery

Abstract Background Atopic dermatitis is the most common inflammatory skin disease in childhood and has an important impact on quality of life, especially severe cases or those that are recalcitrant to treatments. Sensitization to allergens with the potential for allergic contact dermatitis is a factor associated with cases of recalcitrant atopic dermatitis. Understanding the relationship between atopic dermatitis, allergens, and allergic contact dermatitis is essential. In Brazil, there are no studies on sensitization to allergens found in patch tests with pediatric batteries in patients with atopic dermatitis. Objectives To verify the main sensitizing agents, the prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis and the epidemiological and clinical profile of children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis. Methods Cross-sectional, prospective study in patients between 4 and 18 years of age, with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis, treated at the Sanitary Dermatology Outpatient Clinic (RS). All patients underwent patch tests with a battery of pediatric allergens. Results The prevalence of sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis in the evaluated patients was 37.07% (20/54) and 27.7% (15/54), respectively. The most frequent allergens were: nickel sulfate (16.7%), disperse blue (5.6%), and fragrance mix I (5.6%). Nickel was associated with the female sex (p = 0.019). Study limitations Sample size and selection, absence of a control group. Conclusions A proportion of patients with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis may be sensitized to different allergens and may even have developed allergic contact dermatitis. Recognizing this context is important in the prevention strategy and management of the disease.

Allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics: retrospective analysis of a population subjected to patch tests between 2004 and 2017

Abstract Background: Cosmetics are part of the daily life of the population, and their use can lead to allergic contact dermatitis. Objectives: To assess the profile of patients diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics treated at a referral center for 13 years, as well as the characteristics of the clinical picture and allergens involved. Methods: This was a retrospective study, with analysis of medical records of patients attended at this service. The individuals included had a diagnostic hypothesis of allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics and had previously been submitted to epicutaneous tests. Results: A total of 1405 medical records were analyzed, 403 (28.7%) with suspected allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics and 232 (16.5%) with confirmed diagnosis. Of these, 208 (89.7%) were women, and the age group most affected was 31 − 60 years. The most common locations were face in 195 cases (25.8%), cervical region in 116 (15.3%), and trunk in 96 (12.6%). The main allergens in the contact tests were toluene-sulfonamide-formaldehyde resin in 69 cases (29.7%), paraphenylenediamine in 54 (26.3%), Kathon CG® in 41 (20.7%), and fragrance-mix 1 in 29 (16.4%). In 154 (66.4%) of the 232 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics it was possible to specify the cosmetic product responsible for the lesions. Study limitations: The absence of some allergens considered important in the world as causes of allergic contact dermatitis, which are not readily accessible among us. Conclusions: The data of the analyzed population (predominance of young women), as well as the location of the lesions (face and cervical area) and the main allergens involved were consistent with those from the world literature.

Allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics: retrospective analysis of a population subjected to patch tests between 2004 and 2017.

BACKGROUND: Cosmetics are part of the daily life of the population, and their use can lead to allergic contact dermatitis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the profile of patients diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics treated at a referral center for 13 years, as well as the characteristics of the clinical picture and allergens involved. METHODS: This was a retrospective study, with analysis of medical records of patients attended at this service. The individuals included had a diagnostic hypothesis of allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics and had previously been submitted to epicutaneous tests. RESULTS: A total of 1405 medical records were analyzed, 403 (28.7%) with suspected allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics and 232 (16.5%) with confirmed diagnosis. Of these, 208 (89.7%) were women, and the age group most affected was 31 - 60 years. The most common locations were face in 195 cases (25.8%), cervical region in 116 (15.3%), and trunk in 96 (12.6%). The main allergens in the contact tests were toluene-sulfonamide-formaldehyde resin in 69 cases (29.7%), paraphenylenediamine in 54 (26.3%), Kathon CG® in 41 (20.7%), and fragrance-mix 1 in 29 (16.4%). In 154 (66.4%) of the 232 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics it was possible to specify the cosmetic product responsible for the lesions. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The absence of some allergens considered important in the world as causes of allergic contact dermatitis, which are not readily accessible among us. CONCLUSIONS: The data of the analyzed population (predominance of young women), as well as the location of the lesions (face and cervical area) and the main allergens involved were consistent with those from the world literature.

High rate of sensitization to Kathon CG, detected by patch tests in patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Kathon CG, a combination of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, is widely used as preservative in cosmetics, as well in household cleaning products, industrial products such as paints and glues. It has emerged as an important sensitizing agent in allergic contact dermatitis. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the reactivity to this substance in patients subjected to patch tests at the Dermatology Institute in Bauru, São Paulo from 2015 to 2017 and its correlation with other preservatives, the professional activity and location of the lesions. METHODS: The patients were submitted to standard series of epicutaneous tests, standardized by the Brazilian Group Studies on Contact Dermatitis. RESULTS: Out the 267 patients tested, 192 presented positivity to at least one substance and 29 of the patients (15.10%) presented reaction to Kathon CG, with predominance of the female gender (n=27); main professional activity associated with Kathon CG sensibilization was cleaning (17.24%), followed by aesthetic areas (13.79%) and health care (10.34%). The most prevalent sensitizations among the substances tested were nickel sulphate (56.3%), followed by cobalt chloride (23.4%), neomycin (18.2%), potassium dichromate (17.7%), thimerosal (14.5%), formaldehyde (13.2%), paraphenylenediamine (9.3%), and fragrance mix (8.3%). STUDY LIMITATIONS: We do not have data from patients that were submitted to patch test a decade ago in order to confront to current data and establish whether or no sensitization to Kathon CG has increased. CONCLUSION: High positivity to Kathon CG corroborates the recent findings in the literature, suggesting more attention to concentration of this substance, used in cosmetics and products for domestic use.

High rate of sensitization to Kathon CG, detected by patch tests in patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis

Abstract Background: Kathon CG, a combination of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, is widely used as preservative in cosmetics, as well in household cleaning products, industrial products such as paints and glues. It has emerged as an important sensitizing agent in allergic contact dermatitis. Objectives: This study evaluated the reactivity to this substance in patients subjected to patch tests at the Dermatology Institute in Bauru, São Paulo from 2015 to 2017 and its correlation with other preservatives, the professional activity and location of the lesions. Methods: The patients were submitted to standard series of epicutaneous tests, standardized by the Brazilian Group Studies on Contact Dermatitis. Results: Out the 267 patients tested, 192 presented positivity to at least one substance and 29 of the patients (15.10%) presented reaction to Kathon CG, with predominance of the female gender (n = 27); main professional activity associated with Kathon CG sensibilization was cleaning (17.24%), followed by aesthetic areas (13.79%) and health care (10.34%). The most prevalent sensitizations among the substances tested were nickel sulphate (56.3%), followed by cobalt chloride (23.4%), neomycin (18.2%), potassium dichromate (17.7%), thimerosal (14.5%), formaldehyde (13.2%), paraphenylenediamine (9.3%), and fragrance mix (8.3%). Study limitations: We do not have data from patients that were submitted to patch test a decade ago in order to confront to current data and establish whether or no sensitization to Kathon CG has increased. Conclusion: High positivity to Kathon CG corroborates the recent findings in the literature, suggesting more attention to concentration of this substance, used in cosmetics and products for domestic use.

Clinical characteristics and associations of palmoplantar pustulosis: an observational study

Abstract Background: Palmoplantar pustulosis is a chronic and relapsing disease of the palms and soles, which is characterized by scattered clusters of pinhead-sized, sterile pustules. Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine demographic features, co-morbidities, and relation of palmoplantar pustulosis with psoriasis. Methods: A total of 48 patients (M/F: 15/33) were enrolled in the present study. A detailed history regarding age of onset, palmoplantar pustulosis duration, number of recurrences, personal and family history of psoriasis, accompanying arthritis, sternoclavicular tenderness, dental fillings, smoking status, and autoimmune disease was obtained; thorough dermatological examination was carried out. Patch testing results and laboratory investigations for thyroid autoimmunity were recorded. Results: Thirty-five of 48 patients (72.9%) were current smokers. Twenty of the 48 patients (41.7%) had dental fillings. There was not any significant correlation between palmoplantar pustulosis duration and dental filling duration (p = 0.170). Psoriasis was not detected in any patients either in history or in dermatological examination. Nail involvement and joint complaints were observed in seven of 48 patients (14%) and in nine of 48 patients (18%), respectively. Autoimmune thyroiditis was observed in four of 48 patients (12%). Patients with patch testing positivity (12.5% of patients, M/F: 1/5) had no considerable association for history of external contact with these materials. Study limitations: Retrospective analysis. Conclusion: Palmoplantar pustulosis appears to be a distinct entity from psoriasis. Routine thyroid functions test could be analyzed, but patch testing is not required in patients with palmoplantar pustulosis. Also, patients with palmoplantar pustulosis must be evaluated for musculoskeletal symptoms and signs.

Clinical characteristics and associations of palmoplantar pustulosis: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Palmoplantar pustulosis is a chronic and relapsing disease of the palms and soles, which is characterized by scattered clusters of pinhead-sized, sterile pustules. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine demographic features, co-morbidities, and relation of palmoplantar pustulosis with psoriasis. METHODS: A total of 48 patients (M/F: 15/33) were enrolled in the present study. A detailed history regarding age of onset, palmoplantar pustulosis duration, number of recurrences, personal and family history of psoriasis, accompanying arthritis, sternoclavicular tenderness, dental fillings, smoking status, and autoimmune disease was obtained; thorough dermatological examination was carried out. Patch testing results and laboratory investigations for thyroid autoimmunity were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-five of 48 patients (72.9%) were current smokers. Twenty of the 48 patients (41.7%) had dental fillings. There was not any significant correlation between palmoplantar pustulosis duration and dental filling duration (p=0.170). Psoriasis was not detected in any patients either in history or in dermatological examination. Nail involvement and joint complaints were observed in seven of 48 patients (14%) and in nine of 48 patients (18%), respectively. Autoimmune thyroiditis was observed in four of 48 patients (12%). Patients with patch testing positivity (12.5% of patients, M/F: 1/5) had no considerable association for history of external contact with these materials. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Retrospective analysis. CONCLUSION: Palmoplantar pustulosis appears to be a distinct entity from psoriasis. Routine thyroid functions test could be analyzed, but patch testing is not required in patients with palmoplantar pustulosis. Also, patients with palmoplantar pustulosis must be evaluated for musculoskeletal symptoms and signs.

Evaluation of the profile of inflammatory cytokines, through immunohistochemistry, in the skin of patients with allergic contact dermatitis to nickel in the acute and chronic phases

Abstract: Background: Allergic contact dermatitis to ion nickel (Ni+2) is an inflammatory dermatosis, common in industrialized countries. It involves the activation of nickel-specific T-cells, followed by proliferation and induction of a mixed profile of both proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines, suggesting that several T-cell subtypes (helper - Th and cytotoxic - Tc) are involved. A broader understanding of the cytokine profile may lead to new therapeutic approaches. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the cytokines TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17 and IL-23 using the immunohistochemistry technique in order to try to identify their prevalence in chronic and acute eczema of patients with allergic contact dermatitis to Ni+2. Methods: We performed an immunohistochemical study for eight cytokines in 20 patients with Ni+2 allergic contact dermatitis, biopsied at the site of chronic eczema, triggered by the patient's daily contact with Ni+2, and at the site of acute eczema caused by nickel sulfate, 48 hours after applying the contact test. Results: The stained samples showed positive results for the eight cytokines studied. TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-13 and IL-17 had a higher prevalence in chronic eczema, IL-2 and IL-23 in acute eczema, and IL-10 presented a similar prevalence in both acute and chronic eczema. However, these prevalences were statistically significant only for IL-4 and IL-13. Study Limitations: Small sample size. Conclusions: In chronic and acute eczema, we observed the presence of a mixed cytokine profile of the T cell subtypes (Th/Tc), suggesting that the responses are expressed at the same time.

Assessment of patch test results carried out during ten years in a city in southern Brazil

Abstract: Background: Contact dermatitis affects up to 20% of the population. Patch testing for contact allergy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Objectives: To describe and discuss the results of patch tests performed in a city in southern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on all skin test results over ten years. Variables such as gender, age at the time of testing, and test results were evaluated. Triggering factors, duration of complain, and previous medications used related to the clinical history were retrieved for some patients by reviewing their medical records. Results: The sample was composed of 539 patch tests, of which 411 (76.2%) were from women. The age of the tested subjects ranged from 5 to 87 years. The prevalence of positive reactions in the patch tests was 391 (72.5%). The most prevalent positive reaction was to nickel sulfate (196; 36.4%), which had statistical significance when associated with female gender (p<0,001). Study limitations: Database obtained through secondary sources (the reports of the exams and the medical records), occurring the incomplete registration of some information. Conclusions: Data analysis at the local level is important to define preventive policies.

Positive results of patch tests with fragrance markers: analysis of a 15-year period at a Brazilian dermatology center

Abstract: Fragrances may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Data on patients who were patch tested, between 2000 and 2015, with fragrance allergens included in the Brazilian baseline series (balsam of Peru, colophony and fragrance mix I), were collected and analyzed. Of these patients, 258 (13.8%) were positive for fragrance markers, 9.8% being positive for fragrance mix I. Among these 258 there was a predominance of women in their 40s, with hand eczema. The frequency of sensitization to fragrances, as well as the epidemiological profile, was supported by the literature. Fragrance mix I was the main marker. It is important to expand the fragrance markers used in the Brazilian baseline series of patch tests.

Allergic contact dermatitis to shoes: contribution of a specific series to the diagnosis

Abstract: Background: In our country, the Brazilian Standard Series is the most used for the etiological diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis to shoes. However, there is no assessment of the usefulness of specific allergens for shoes. Objectives: To measure the improvement in diagnostic accuracy of allergic contact dermatitis to shoes with the use of a specific complementary series in patch testing and describe the characteristics of the affected population, such as gender, location of lesions, time of evolution, and the most common allergens. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the results of 52 patients with suspected shoe dermatitis subjected to patch tests with the standard and specific series to quantify the gain in diagnostic accuracy. Results: Among the 52 suspected cases, 29 cases (56%) were confirmed. In 13 (45%) cases the diagnosis was determined through the specific series, which results in an 81% increase in the number of diagnoses. Study limitation: Small sample size. Conclusions: Women were more commonly affected, with a mean time for the final diagnosis of 45 months, and the most common localization was the dorsum of the feet. There was an increase in diagnostic accuracy with the introduction of new haptens in the patch test of patients with suspected shoes dermatitis.

Evaluation of the presence of allergens in children's products available for sale in a big city

Abstract: Children's products are considered safe by the general population and doctors. Labels with terms such as "hypoallergenic" or "dermatologically recommended and tested" denote trust and credibility with the idea that they can be used by any individual. Patients with allergic contact dermatitis may be sensitive to allergens present in any product, including children's. There is insufficient knowledge about allergens in these products in our country. We evaluated 254 children's products, and at least one allergen was present in 236 (93%) of them. The indication of a topical product should be careful and based on contact tests.

Innate immunity and effector and regulatory mechanisms involved in allergic contact dermatitis

Abstract: Skin's innate immunity is the initial activator of immune response mechanisms, influencing the development of adaptive immunity. Some contact allergens are detected by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and inflammasome NLR3. Keratinocytes participate in innate immunity and, in addition to functioning as an anatomical barrier, secrete cytokines, such as TNF, IL-1β, and IL-18, contributing to the development of Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Dendritic cells recognize and process antigenic peptides into T cells. Neutrophils cause pro-inflammatory reactions, mast cells induce migration/maturation of skin DCs, the natural killer cells have natural cytotoxic capacity, the γδ T cells favor contact with hapten during the sensitization phase, and the innate lymphoid cells act in the early stages by secreting cytokines, as well as act in inflammation and tissue homeostasis. The antigen-specific inflammation is mediated by T cells, and each subtype of T cells (Th1/Tc1, Th2/Tc2, and Th17/Tc17) activates resident skin cells, thus contributing to inflammation. Skin's regulatory T cells have a strong ability to inhibit the proliferation of hapten-specific T cells, acting at the end of the Allergic Contact Dermatitis response and in the control of systemic immune responses. In this review, we report how cutaneous innate immunity is the first line of defense and focus its role in the activation of the adaptive immune response, with effector response induction and its regulation.

Nickel, chromium and cobalt: the relevant allergens in allergic contact dermatitis. Comparative study between two periods: 1995-2002 and 2003-2015

Abstract: Background: Metals are common agents of allergic contact dermatitis, occupational or not, with decreasing incidence over the last years in some countries that have regulated the amount of nickel in objects. Objectives: To analyze and compare with previous studies the profile of metal sensitization between 2003-2015. Methods: Patients who underwent patch testing between 2003-2015 were evaluated retrospectively regarding the sensitization rates to metals, the associations between them, the relationship with profession and epidemiology. Results: Of the 1,386 patients tested, 438 (32%) had positive test to some metal, similar results to the 404/1,208 (33%) of the previous study (1995-2002) performed at the same service (p=0.32). The frequency of nickel (77%), cobalt (32%) and chromium (29%) changed slightly (p=0.20). Most cases of sensitization to chromium were related to the occupation (64%), in contrast to nickel and cobalt (p<0.0001). There was a predominance of females among those sensitized to metal in both studies (p=0.63) and the age group of 20-49 years old (p=0.11); the number of fair-skinned individuals increased (p<0.001), as well as the lesions in the cephalic segment (50.5%; p<0.0001) and hands (45%; p<0.0001), which are not the most frequent location anymore. The number of cleaners decreased (39% vs. 59%; p<0.0001), which still lead in front of bricklayers/painters, which increased (14% vs. 9%; p=0.013). The frequency of wet work reduced (65% vs. 81%; p<0.0001). Study limitations: The study included a single population group; only patients with positive tests to metals were considered - the others were not evaluated for the possibility of false negatives. Conclusion: The sensitization to metals, occupational or not, has been significant over the last 21 years, with few epidemiological changes.

DERMATITIS PALPEBRAL

La dermatitis palpebral constituye un proceso inflamatorio frecuente, ya que la piel que recubre los párpados es especialmente susceptible a la acción de agentes irritantes y alergénicos. La piel de ésta región es cuatro veces más fina que en el resto de la cara, lo que facilita la aparición de edema en caso de inflamación. Otros factores que influyen son la función anormal de la barrera cutánea que puede promover el desarrollo de la sensibilización, y el fácil acceso de numerosos alergenos a dicha zona, los que pueden llegar por contacto directo con las manos, por vía aerotransportada y en menor medida por aproximación. Son múltiples las causas que pueden originar dermatitis palpebral, tanto puramente dermatológicas como sistémicas, siendo en algunas ocasiones multifactorial. De todas ellas la más frecuente es la dermatitis alérgica por contacto, y en menor medida la dermatitis atópica y dermatitis irritativa por contacto También pueden verse comprometidos con un estado inflamatorio crónico los bordes palpebrales, lo que se denomina blefaritis. Los pacientes pueden referir dolor, ardor, prurito y sensación de cuerpo extraño. En ocasiones, debido a la variedad de patologías que pueden producir dermatitis palpebral, el diagnóstico diferencial suele ser difícil de realizar. Es importante conocer el factor causal para poder realizar un tratamiento adecuado, ya que al ser un trastorno por lo general persistente, los pacientes a menudo se someten a terapias inadecuadas, sin obtener la curación del cuadro.

Palpebral dermatitis is a frequent inflammatory process, since the skin covering the eyelids is especially susceptible to the action of irritants and allergens. The skin of this region is four times thinner than in the rest of the face, which facilitates the appearance of edema in case of inflammation. Other factors that influence are the abnormal function of the cutaneous barrier that can promote the development of sensitization, and the easy access of numerous allergens to this area, which can come by direct contact with the hands, by airborne and to a lesser extent by approximation. There are many causes that can cause palpebral dermatitis, both purely dermatological and systemic, being sometimes multifactorial. Of all of them, the most frequent is allergic contact dermatitis, and to a lesser extent, atopic dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. The palpebral borders can also be compromised with a chronic inflammatory state, which is called blepharitis. Patients may report pain, burning, pruritus and foreign body sensation. Occasionally, due to the variety of pathologies that can produce palpebral dermatitis, the differential diagnosis is usually difficult to perform. It is important to know the causal factor to be able to perform an adequate treatment, since being a generally persistent disorder, patients often undergo inadequate therapies, without obtaining the cure of the pathology.

Nickel exposure from keys: a Brazilian issue

Abstract: Keys are a significant source of exposure to metal allergens and can be a relevant problem for nickel-allergic individuals. This study aimed to perform nickel and cobalt spot testing among the 5 most common Brazilian brands of keys. Among the tested keys, 100% showed positive result to nickel spot test, 83,3% presented strong positive reaction. 50% exhibited cobalt release as well. Nickel release from keys is very common in our country and may cause a negative impact on sensitized individual's quality of life. Study's results highlight the importance of establishing directives to regulate nickel release in Brazil.

Allergy to hypoallergenic nail polish: does this exist?

Abstract The main allergen responsible for contact dermatitis to nail polish is tosylamide-formaldehyde resin. The so-called hypoallergenic nail polishes are suposedly free of agents that commonly trigger reactions. The commercially available products and their compositions were studied. It was observed that most brands present at least one component capable of triggering the disease; therefore, allergic reaction may occur even when hypoallergenic polishes are used. There should be a proper investigation of the specific allergen through a patch test, because more than one component can cause an allergy, and we need to check the exact composition of each product.

Patch-test results in children and adolescents: systematic review of a 15-year period

Abstract The number of studies on patch-test results in children and adolescents has gradually increased in recent years, thus stimulating reviews. This paper is a systematic review of a 15-year period devoted to studying the issue. Variations pertaining to the number and age groups of tested children and/or adolescents, the number of subjects with atopy/atopic dermatitis history, the quantity, type and concentrations of the tested substances, the test technique and type of data regarding clinical relevance, must all be considered in evaluating these studies, as they make it harder to formulate conclusions. The most common allergens in children were nickel, thimerosal, cobalt, fragrance, lanolin and neomycin. In adolescents, they were nickel, thimerosal, cobalt, fragrance, potassium dichromate, and Myroxylon pereirae. Knowledge of this matter aids health professionals in planning preventive programs aimed at improving children's quality of life and ensuring that their future prospects are not undermined.