Compositae sensitization in Danish children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND Compositae plant sensitization in children is relatively frequent. From 1995 to 2006, we found a prevalence of 1.8% sesquiterpene lactone (SL) mix/parthenolide patch test positives among consecutive eczema patients under 18 years. OBJECTIVES To report the results of patch test screening for Compositae sensitization in patients under 18 years in the last 13 years. METHODS Children/adolescents under 18 years, diagnosed with Compositae sensitization between 2007 and 2019, were included. RESULTS Among 388 tested, 12 (3%) were Compositae-sensitized, and 11(2.8%) had positive reactions to SL mix. Compositae mix 5% pet. elicited positive reactions in 6 of 7 tested, and dandelion extract 2.5% pet. in 6 of 10 tested. The mean age of the 5 girls was 9.4 years and 11.7 years in the 7 boys. Eleven children had a personal and 1 a family history of atopy, and 11 children had hand eczema. Only 2 were mono-sensitized to Compositae. CONCLUSIONS SL mix is a suitable screening agent among children/adolescents in our area, well supplemented with Compositae mix 5% and dandelion extract. The study emphasizes the importance of Compositae screening in children with a personal/family history of atopy, hand eczema or widespread, airborne dermatitis, summer exacerbation, and plant exposure. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.