The aims of the study were to assess whether contact dermatitis in children could be due to a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to natural rubber latex (NRL) and to define risk factors for later occurrence of Type I hypersensitivity to this allergen. Among 1800 children investigated for contact dermatitis, 55 were referred on suspicion of rubber allergy and had patch tests to NRL, as well as prick tests and blood tests for specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). A 2-year follow-up was then carried out. Delayed hypersensitivity to NRL was confirmed in 32 children. Patch testing with NRL proved to be positive, and clinical improvement confirmed the diagnosis and relevance of patch tests. 30 of these 32 patients had associated atopic dermatitis (AD). Prick tests and blood tests for specific IgE to latex were negative at the time of diagnosis. A 2-year follow-up showed that 10 of 27 patients presenting initially with a positive patch test without associated Type I sensitization later developed immediate hypersensitivity. Children with AD are at high risk for allergy to NRL protein. Exclusion of this allergen should be strongly advised in atopics because of the dual risk of dermatitis and later evolution into severe Type I hypersensitivity.
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