Quantitative aspects of nickel dermatitis. Sensitization and eliciting threshold concentrations.
Nickel is the most common cause of contact allergy among females. A recent Danish population study found 11.1% of the females and 2.2% of the males nickel-sensitized. Primary nickel sensitization is caused by well-defined nickel exposures. Trace amounts of nickel present in the general environment don't induce nickel sensitization. Based on a wide range of studies, an arbitrary non-sensitizing nickel concentration of 0.5 microgram/cm2/week has been suggested for consumer items made of nickel alloys. Eliciting of nickel dermatitis is unlikely for concentrations < 0.1-1 microgram/cm2 during occluded exposure and 15 micrograms/cm2 when non-occluded. The effect of repeated exposures to normal skin is unexplored. Highly sensitized individuals might react to 0.5 ppm nickel (0.0075 microgram/cm2) when exposed on inflamed skin under occlusion. It is concluded that most cases of nickel allergy/nickel dermatitis are preventable without interfering with the quality of life or imposing economic costs to society.
Department of Dermatology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark.
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D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*
D009532:Nickel