Effect of age and sex on the induction and elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis

Abstract

This article reviews the effect of age and sex on the induction and elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). We found that the incidence of ACD in childhood is lower than in adults; this may be explained by less exposure to allergens, lack of immune response and limited patch test studies in this age group. In the elderly, there is an age-dependent decrease in the incidence of ACD, with decreased sensitization to new allergens and waning responses in previously sensitized subjects. There is extensive controversy about the effect of sex differences in ACD. The induction phases of ACD in both sexes are different due to differences in exposure to the allergens from occupations, habits and cultures. Differences in elicitation phases of ACD in both sexes are not confirmed. Women tend to have a higher incidence of ACD and higher immunologic response to exposure allergens than men. Thus we can only imprecisely define the effect of age and sex on the induction and elicitation of ACD. Further prospective studies should be done to answer these questions.

Risk factors of polysensitization to contact allergens

“…In contrast, the steady increase of the risk of multiple contact allergies with increasing age most likely reflects the effect of the cumulative exposure to a multitude of allergens during the lifespan, despite an apparently decreasing capacity to be newly induced (sensitized). 18 Previous or current atopic eczema is moderately associated with PS, corresponding with findings from previous, more general analyses. 19,20 Occupational dermatitis is similarly associated with PS, but more strongly than atopic eczema with having at least one contact allergy.…”

Positive Reactions to Nickel on a Patch Test Do Not Predict Clinical Outcome of Nickel Alloy-Based Atrial Septal Defect Occluder Implantation

“…Ear piercing at an early age has consistently been linked to the rise in nickel sensitization in recent years and may be responsible for the female predominance of nickel allergy. European regulations on the amount of nickel that may be released from objects with direct and prolonged skin contact, such as items inserted into pierced body parts, have significantly reduced the incidence of nickel allergy among young Danish females from 27.6% in 1985 to 16.8% in 2007 [14,15,16]. Wet-work occupations and a greater exposure of women to high nickel content in jewelry may be precipitating factors, although other possibilities include sex hormone factors [15].…”

Mechanisms involved in the regulation of immune response in animal model of allergic contact dermatitis

“…neomycyna). Ze względu na powszechne występowanie tych substancji, ACD jest jedną z najczęstszych chorób zawodowych, znacznie ograniczających aktywność zawodową [7,20,21,24]. Częstość alergii kontaktowych na co najmniej jeden czynnik uczulający określona dla poszczególnych grup wiekowych w Ameryce Północnej i Europie Zachodniej sięga 19,5 % [7].…”

“…Dotychczasowe badania wskazują, że indukcja i aktywacja ACD maleje wraz ze wrastającym wiekiem [20]. Badania epidemiologiczne wskazują na częstsze występowanie ACD u kobiet zwłaszcza w młodszych grupach wiekowych [7,21,22].…”