This retrospective series patch tested 160 Turkish children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years with suspected allergic contact dermatitis using the European Baseline Series between 2013 and 2023. Forty-nine patients (30.6%) reacted to at least one allergen. Nickel sulfate was positive in 17 of 160 (10.6%), cobalt chloride in 9 of 160 (5.6%), and potassium dichromate in 0 of 160. These figures are shares of children with a positive patch test. They are not concentrations of nickel, chromium, or cobalt in a product. No heavy-metal concentration in a wipe, diaper, cream, or other product is reported.
Key numbers
Figures below are copied as printed. Units are not converted. Species are not merged.
| Analyte | What was reported | Value | Unit | Basis | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ni | Nickel sulfate 5.0% pet 17/160 10.6% | 10.6 | % | patch test, not a product concentration | Table 1, p. 3 |
| Ni | Nickel sulfate 5.0% pet Boy (2.9) | 2.9 | % | patch test, not a product concentration | Table 1, p. 3 |
| Ni | Nickel sulfate 5.0% pet Girl (16.5) | 16.5 | % | patch test, not a product concentration | Table 1, p. 3 |
| Cr | Potassium dichromate 0.5% pet 0/160 prevalence - | 0 | % | patch test, not a product concentration | Table 1, p. 3 |
| Co | Cobalt chloride 1.0% pet 9/160 5.6% | 5.6 | % | patch test, not a product concentration | Table 1, p. 3 |
Methods (brief)
Chart review of 160 patients patch tested with the European Baseline Series then in use. Allergens were applied to the upper back in Van der Bend chambers, removed on day 2, and read finally on day 4 using ICDRG scoring, with 1+ or greater counted as positive. Age groups were children 10 years or younger and adolescents 11 to 18 years. Comparisons used chi-square or Fisher exact tests and Mann-Whitney U or t tests.
Evidence fitness
These data support Patch-test positive rates for nickel sulfate, potassium dichromate, and cobalt chloride in this Turkish pediatric referral cohort; Sex contrast for nickel sulfate positivity (higher in girls) as printed in Table 1.
They do not support Nickel, chromium, or cobalt concentrations in wipes, diapers, lotions, or any product; A product release rate. The 0.5 micrograms per square centimeter per week figure is a cited Turkish nickel-release legal limit, not a measurement from this study; Clinical relevance of the positive reactions. The authors state that clinical relevance was not investigated.
Limitations
Single referral center. Clinical relevance of allergens was not investigated. The baseline series changed during 2013-2023, so some allergens were not tested in every patient (methylisothiazolinone was tested in 113, not 160). The cohort is children referred for suspected allergic contact dermatitis, not a population sample and not a sample of products.
Related evidence
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