Patch testing with cobalt in children and adolescents: North American contact dermatitis group experience, 2001-2018.

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to cobalt is more common in children and adolescents than adults. However, detailed information on sites and sources of cobalt ACD is limited.

Objectives: To assess trends in positive and clinically relevant patch test reactions to cobalt in children and associated patient characteristics, common sources and body sites affected.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of children (<18 years) patch tested to cobalt by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group between 2001 and 2018.

Results: Of 1919 children patch tested, 228 (11.9%) and 127 (6.6%) had a positive/allergic or currently relevant patch test reaction to cobalt, respectively. The most common primary body sites affected were scattered generalized (30.0%), face, not otherwise specified (10.6%) and trunk (10.1%). Patients with allergic and currently relevant allergic patch test reactions were more likely to have a primary site of trunk (p = 0.0160 and p = 0.0008) and ears (p = 0.0005 and p < 0.0001). Affected body site(s) varied by cobalt source among patients with currently relevant reactions, especially for less common sources. The most commonly identified sources of cobalt included jewellery, belts and clothing.

Conclusions: Positive patch test reactions to cobalt were common in children. The most common body site was scattered generalized and the sources of cobalt varied by body site.