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Publisher: Peytchinski Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 1312-773X (Online)
Issue: 2026, vol. 32, issue3
Subject Area: Medicine
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DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2026323.7039
Published online: 12 August 2026
Case report
J of IMAB. 2026 Jul-Sep;32(3):7039-7042
POLYSENSITIZATION IN A PEDIATRIC PATIENT WITH SLIME DERMATITIS
Bisera Kotevska Trifunova1
, Stefana Damevska1, Biljana Ilkovska2, Zdravka Demerdjieva1,
1) Department of Dermatovenerology, Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria.
2) Department of Medical Biochemistry, PHO Clinical Hospital Dr. Trifun Panovski, Department of clinical biochemistry, High Medical School, University St Kliment Ohridski, Bitola, Macedonia.
ABSTRACT:
Purpose: To present a pediatric case of hand dermatitis associated with homemade slime exposure and to analyze the factors contributing to polysensitization in children.
Material/Methods: A 6-year-old girl with a six-month history of recalcitrant hand dermatitis underwent clinical examination, detailed exposure history, and epicutaneous patch testing using the European baseline series. Patch test readings were performed on Day 2 and Day 4.
Results: Dermatological examination revealed erythematous and scaly lesions on the dorsal and palmar surfaces of the hands. History revealed regular contact with homemade slime prepared using common household products. Patch testing was performed, and sensitization to seven allergens was confirmed: a mixture of parabens, lanolin alcohol, Peruvian balsam, a mixture of fragrances, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI), methyldibrom glutaronitrile (MDBGN), and methylisothiazolinone (MI). In the treatment of the disease, the use of slime was strictly prohibited, and a short course of strong topical corticosteroids was used, which led to improvement.
Conclusions: Irritant and allergic contact dermatitis in children is a serious disease, and recently it has often been associated with the use of homemade slime. Polysensitization may occur due to simultaneous exposure to multiple cosmetic and household products or cross-reactivity between isothiazolinone derivatives. Dermatologists should consider "mucous dermatitis" in cases of new-onset hand eczema in children, especially when lesions correlate with sites of exposure. Early recognition and avoidance can prevent chronic disease and long-term complications.
Keywords: Dermatitis, Patch Tests, Child, Hypersensitivity, Preservatives, Fragrances, Isothiazolinones, Hand Dermatoses,
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Please cite this article as: Kotevska-Trifunova B, Damevska S, Ilkovska B, Demerdjieva Z. Polysensitization in a pediatric patient with slime dermatitis. J of IMAB. 2026 Jul-Sep;32(3):7039-7042. [Crossref - 10.5272/jimab.2026323.7039]
Correspondence to: Bisera Kotevska Trifunova, MD, PhD, Dermatovenerologist,Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital, Sofia; 51B, Nikola Vaptsarov Blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria. E-mail: bkotevska@abv.bg
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Received: 04 March 2026
Published online: 12 August 2026