Contact Dermatitis and Related Exposures in Danish Adolescents-Self-Reported Data From a Nationwide Questionnaire Study

BACKGROUND: Very little is known about skin exposures and related contact dermatitis among adolescents in the general population.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the epidemiology of contact dermatitis and related skin exposures in Danish adolescents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was designed as a self-administered questionnaire study. An electronic questionnaire, intended to cover previous and current atopic dermatitis, previous and current facial- and hand eczema, and current skin exposures, was sent out to a random sample of 13.000 Danish individuals aged 15-19 years.

RESULTS: A total of 5251 (40%) responded to the questionnaire. More than one third of participants (33.8%) reported a history of contact dermatitis from the use of a cosmetic product, and nearly 20% had a history of dermatitis following skin contact with a metal item. The risk of contact dermatitis from the use of cosmetic products was significantly and strongly associated with female sex (OR 2.9) and atopic dermatitis (OR 1.8).

CONCLUSION: Adolescent girls were significantly more exposed to cosmetic products, piercings, hair dye, brow tints and artificial nails compared to boys and at a younger age. Given that contact dermatitis may become chronic and result in lifelong skin issues, greater attention should be directed toward enhancing the safety of cosmetic products.