title: The prevalence of allergic contact sensitization in a general population in Tromsø, Norway.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the prevalence of contact sensitization in a general adult population and the relationship between the history of metal dermatitis and sensitization to metal allergens.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional population study using patch tests and a questionnaire was conducted among adults in Tromsø, Northern Norway.
  
  
  METHODS
  A random sample of 830 participants aged 18-75 years were invited to participate in the patch testing and completed a 1-page self-administered questionnaire. Of the adults, 531 (64%) were actually TRUE tested (using a standardized, ready-to-apply patch test system) and completed the self-administered questionnaire about ear piercing, metal reactions, skin reactions to different allergens, atopic dermatitis, eczema, cooking equipment and diet.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study showed that nickel (19.2%; women 31.1% and men 5.0%), fragrance mix (3.4%) and cobalt (1.7%) were the most prevalent allergens causing contact sensitization. For all other allergens, less than 1.1% tested positive. Eighty-four (45.2%) subjects with a positive history of metal dermatitis had negative patch tests.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Contact sensitization was found frequently in this general adult population, especially to nickel and perfumes with a predominance among females. An eczematous reaction caused by cheap earrings seemed to be the best indicator for metal sensitivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway. larskd@start.no
authors.forename: Lars Kåre
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Dotterud
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008670:Metals / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D010328:Patch Tests; D010476:Perfume; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D008670:Metals; D010476:Perfume