No Overall Association Between Atopic Dermatitis and Contact Sensitization,suggests study

Researchers have found in a new study that there is no general association between atopic dermatitis (AD) and contact sensitization (CS). However, multiple modifying factors may influence this relationship, highlighting the importance of patch testing in patients with AD for individualized assessment and management

Whether atopic dermatitis is associated with an altered susceptibility to contact sensitization remains debated. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide updated estimates of the association between atopic dermatitis and contact sensitization overall, by population type (general or referred), various demographics, and selected allergens. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies published between 2016 and 2025 reporting contact sensitization prevalence in individuals with and without atopic dermatitis. Data were combined with a previous systematic review covering studies published between 1982 and 2016. Meta-analyses were performed to calculate pooled odds ratios. The pooled analyses showed no overall association between atopic dermatitis and contact sensitization (odds ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval: 0.82–1.42), including in referred populations (odds ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 0.76–1.38). In general population studies, contact sensitization prevalence was higher among individuals with atopic dermatitis. The association was statistically significant in children and adolescents (odds ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.0–1.80) but not in adults. Positive associations were found between atopic dermatitis and contact sensitization to Compositae mix and sesquiterpene lactone mix, but not to nickel, cobalt, or chromium.