# Virtual Reality Headset as a Cause of Allergic Contact Dermatitis in a Child

## TL;DR

A 13-year-old boy developed a skin rash from a VR headset due to an allergic reaction to its foam, highlighting the growing risk of wearable devices causing allergies in children.

## Contribution

This is the first reported case of allergic contact dermatitis caused by a VR headset in a child.

## Key findings

- The boy had positive patch test reactions to multiple allergens, including the foam from the Oculus Quest 2 headset.
- Symptoms resolved after replacing the foam interface with a silicone cover.
- The case emphasizes the need to consider wearable electronics as potential sources of pediatric allergic contact dermatitis.

## Abstract

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from gaming accessories is rarely reported. With the increasing popularity of virtual reality (VR) headsets, more cases may emerge.

We report the case of a 13-year-old boy with atopic eczema who developed a recurrent periorbital rash at sites contacting an Oculus Quest 2 headset (Meta Platforms, Menlo Park, CA, USA). He was otherwise healthy, on no medications, and had a family history of asthma. Patch testing included the British standard, medicament, facial, and photosensitivity series, with the headset foam added on day two. Positive reactions were observed to methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI), 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, methyldibromoglutaronitrile, benzisothiazolinone, propolis, Carba Mix, and the headset foam. Symptoms resolved fully following replacement of the foam interface with a silicone cover.

This case expands the spectrum of wearable-device-related allergic contact dermatitis and underscores the importance of including device materials in patch-test panels. It also highlights the need to consider wearable electronics as emerging sources of paediatric ACD.