Top pediatric allergens by age group
Facts at your Fingertips
By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, March 1, 2025
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) affects approximately 20% of children in the United States (doi: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000214). A 2023 multicenter study summarizing the results of the Pediatric Allergic Contact Dermatitis registry from 2016 to 2022 found top allergens to be fragrances, metals, and preservatives, including methylisothiazolinone (MI).
Data from the registry indicated that individuals aged 0 to 5 years were more likely to have concomitant atopic dermatitis than any other age group. Children aged 0 to 5 years also had the highest positive patch test (PPT) rate at 87.4%. According to study authors, recognizing common allergens in children of various ages can help dermatologists better inform patients about allergens and products to avoid while awaiting testing.
For more on differences in allergen prevalence among children of different age groups, see the graphic below.
