Dermatitis of the Foot: Epidemiologic and Clinical Features in 389 Children

Background/Objectives Footwear dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis resulting from exposure to shoes. There have been only small studies regarding foot contact dermatitis in children. The present study was undertaken to define the prevalence and epidemiologic and clinical features of shoe dermatitis in children. Methods A retrospective study was undertaken of all children referred for patch testing between 1996 and 2015. Children with dermatitis limited to the feet were selected. Results We collected data from 389 children younger than 16 years, 52 of whom (13.4%) were referred with dermatitis exclusively on the feet. Diagnosis after patch testing was allergic contact dermatitis in 23 children (44.2%), atopic eczema in 12 (23.1%), juvenile plantar dermatosis in 8 (15.4%), dyshidrotic eczema in 6 (11.5%), irritant contact dermatitis in 2 (3.8%), and tinea pedis in 1 (1.9%). The most frequent allergens were potassium dichromate, thimerosal, cobalt chloride, mercapto mix, colophonium, mercury, and nickel(II) sulfate. Conclusion Allergic contact dermatitis caused by footwear is a common cause of foot dermatitis in children. Children with foot dermatitis should be referred for patch testing when an allergic origin is suspected.