The utility of patch testing children with atopic dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is more frequent in the pediatric population and in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) than has hitherto been appreciated. Patch testing, which is mediated by different immune mechanisms than prick skin testing, is both safe and diagnostically useful for individuals with AD. It may help to identify exacerbating allergies, e.g., constituents of topical treatments in refractory AD and to formulate treatment plans that feature preventive avoidance of the offending allergens.