Common contact allergens in children

Allergen	Description	Source	Clinical distribution
Urushiol	Poison ivy, oak, sumac	Poison ivy, oak, sumac	Linear pattern
Nickel	Metal	Jewelry, buckles, clothing snaps	Earlobes, neck, wrist periumbilical, base of fingers
Neomycin	Topical antibiotic	Topical medications	Sites of healing wounds, ear canal
Potassium dichromate	Tanning agent	Leather, shoes	Dorsum of feet
Thimerosal	Preservative	Topical medications	Face and eyelids, healing wounds
Myroxylon pereirae (Balsam of Peru)	Fragrance	Perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, moisturizers	Axillae, neck, face, eyelids, site of application of moisturizer
Formaldehyde	Preservative	Topical medications, creams, lotions, shampoo	Face, eyelids, axillae, hairline
Quaternium 15	Preservative	Topical medications, creams, lotions	Face, eyelids, axillae
Colophony	Sticky substance from pine and spruce tree trunks	Adhesives, glues, sealants, cosmetics, soaps	Axillae, neck, face, eyelids
p-tert-butylphenol formaldehyde	Resin	Leather glues, adhesives, watch straps	Shoes, tape-distribution
Wool alcohol	Lanolin	Soaps, emollients, topical medications, cosmetics	Face, hands

Adapted from Hogan PA, Weston WL. Allergic contact dermatitis in children. Pediatr Rev 1993; 14:240.

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