"Mint" Condition: Contact Dermatitis in an Adolescent Numismatist

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is common in children and adolescents. A history of persistent rash despite appropriate treatment should raise suspicion of ACD. We present the case of a 16-year-old boy with chronic dermatitis suspected of being a possible nickel allergy. He and his mother denied known common exposures. Patch testing confirmed allergies to multiple metals and several preservatives. A detailed social history revealed that the patient was an avid coin collector. Information about hobbies and activities should be elicited in any patient in whom ACD is suspected to determine exposures they may not initially have considered relevant. This case highlights the importance of pre- and posttest counseling and exposure history.