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Children with vaccination granulomas and aluminum contact allergy: Evaluation of predispositions, avoidance behavior, and quality of life
Author(s) -
Hoffmann Stine S.,
Thyssen Jacob P.,
Elberling Jesper,
Hansen Kirsten S.,
Johansen Jeanne D.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.13538
Subject(s) - medicine , vaccination , allergy , quality of life (healthcare) , contact dermatitis , immunology , contact allergy , itching , allergic contact dermatitis , dermatology , nursing
Background Aluminum contact allergy is mostly seen in children with vaccination granulomas, following immunization with aluminum‐adsorbed childhood vaccines. Objectives To characterize a cohort of children with vaccination granulomas and aluminum allergy concerning early life conditions, exacerbating factors, avoidance behavior, treatments, and potential impact on quality of life. Methods A questionnaire study was conducted among 177 children aged 0 to 15 years with vaccination granulomas and aluminum allergy, and a reference group of 61 children aged 3 to 14 years with various types of dermatitis undergoing patch testing. Results All children in the granuloma group were reportedly affected by itch. Infection exacerbated the itch in 59%. Other worsening factors were eating tin‐foiled/canned food (31%) and use of aluminum‐containing sunscreen (46%). Many parents took precautions to avoid aluminum exposure. Children with granulomas were more likely to be nonadherent to the National Vaccination Program than the reference group (27% vs 2%, P < .001). Parents in the granuloma group reported a decreased life quality for both parents and children compared with the reference group. Conclusions Itching vaccination granulomas and aluminum allergy have a considerable negative impact on affected children and their families, causing avoidance behavior, reduced adherence to vaccination programs, and a negative effect on the overall life quality.