Nickel dermatitis from cheap earrings.
In 1988, 64% of our patients patch test positive to at least 1 allergen of the ICDRG standard series were nickel sensitive. In 70% of 300 patients evaluated, dermatitis started on the earlobes and was related to the regular wearing of cheap earrings. At the same time, 62% of 735 young schoolgirls were found to have dermatitis of their earlobes and all regularly wore cheap earrings. 9 clasps and clips commonly used in earrings released high quantities of nickel ions (between 49 and 103 micrograms/12 h), having been stored in synthetic sweat. A round piece cut from a clasp was taped to the skin of 30 nickel-sensitive patients, previously tested with 20 microliters of NiSO4 5%, 2.5%, 1% aq. solutions, giving a response similar to that caused by the 5% solution. High daily absorption of Ni ions through the skin follows its repetitive exposure to cheap earrings, causing, firstly, a direct inflammatory reaction, then followed, in our opinion, by sensitization.
Santucci
B
B
Servizio di Allergologia, Istituto Dermosifilopatico di S. Maria e San Gallicano, Roma, Italy.
Ferrari
P V
PV
Cristaudo
A
A
Cannistraci
C
C
Picardo
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D004431:Ear, External; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012995:Solubility; D013542:Sweat
D009532:Nickel