Patch Testing Reveals Top Allergens in Children : Using the same allergen concentrations for testing children as used in adults found safe and effective.

▸ Neomycin. The No. 2 contact allergen in U.S. adults for the last 30 years, this antibiotic is also a cause of ACD in kids.

▸ Balsam of Peru and fragrance mix. This combination contact allergen is widely utilized to impart flavors in food products as well as for scent.

▸ Formaldehyde and quaternium-15. A common preservative, formaldehydeis a major cause of systemic allergic reactions. It is released by quaternium-15.

▸ Potassium dichromate. Cement, leather, and watch straps are the sources most often implicated in pediatric ACD.

▸ Colophony. This allergen often is present in adhesives, cosmetics, and paper.

▸ Lanolin. This alcohol extraction of sheep sebum is used as an emulsifier and emollient. It is found in cosmetics, creams, leather, and other products.

▸ Carbamates. Commonly causing ACD, carbamates are used as accelerators in rubber.

▸ Para-phenylenediamine. Watch out for this in temporary tattoos.

▸ Sorbitan sesquioleate. An emulsifier increasingly used to enhance penetration of topical medications, including corticosteroids. It's also present in many diaper balms.

▸ Disperse dyes. These are found in clothing and diapers.

Source: Dr. Jacob