Medscape: Diabetes Devices May Give Kids Contact Dermatitis
By Lorraine Janezko
Devices that help children control their diabetes and lead fuller lives may also give them contact dermatitis, report the authors of a new study that calls for mandatory labeling of ingredients for allergy patch testing.
"A high share of patients showed positive reactions to isobornyl acrylate adhesive (IBOA) and/or their medical devices (insulin pumps or glucose devices)," the study authors write in Contact Dermatitis. "A third of patients showed positive reactions to benzoyl peroxide (BP)," used in adhesives.
Many children in the study reacted to chemical compounds related to their devices.
- Of the 15 patients, seven showed positive patch test reactions to IBOA, and five showed positive reactions to BP.
- Ten children had positive patch test reactions to materials from glucose sensors and insulin pumps.
- Three showed positive reactions to adhesive remover wipes.
- Five reacted to plasters or cream containing lidocaine and prilocaine.
Ryan J. McDonough, DO, a pediatric endocrinologist and the co-director of the Diabetes Center at Children's Mercy Kansas City, said in an email that, despite the small sample size, the study "highlights important device-related experiences of those living with type 1 diabetes that clinicians often encounter.
"We often spend considerable time aiding patients and their families in finding ways to mitigate the reactions," he explained. "Having a broader understanding of these chemical compositions would help clinicians choose the right devices for their patients and prevent and treat these types of reactions."
McDonough, who also was not involved in the study, noted that the patients in the study were in Denmark, and they were able to easily transition between insulin pumps and glucose monitoring devices.
"In the US, it is often more challenging to switch between devices, due to insurance-related concerns.
Read the full article via Medscape
Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at Children's Mercy