Complementary and alternative remedies: an additional source of potential systemic nickel exposure.
BACKGROUND
Systemic contact dermatitis from nickel has been reported from a number of sources including medical devices and following experimental oral exposure.


OBJECTIVE
To identify other potential sources of systemic nickel exposure.


METHODS
The internet and published medical literature were searched for complementary and alternative remedies which contain nickel.


RESULTS
We identified and evaluated sources of nickel exposure in 4 homeopathic preparations, which are advertised to treat common skin diseases, as well as in a number of other homeopathic remedies, several herbal products and multivitamin mineral complexes.


CONCLUSIONS
Complementary and alternative remedies are an additional source of systemic nickel exposure and at highest doses the potential risk for systemic contact dermatitis in nickel allergic patients should be considered.
de Medeiros
Luciana M
LM
Section of Industrial Dermatology, Department of Dermatology (A-61), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
Fransway
Anthony F
AF
Taylor
James S
JS
Wyman
Marcia
M
Janes
Jodith
J
Fowler
Joseph F
JF
Rietschel
Robert L
RL
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000009:adverse effects; D006705:Homeopathy; D006801:Humans; D008419:Materia Medica / Q000009:adverse effects; D009532:Nickel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects; D014815:Vitamins / Q000009:adverse effects
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D008419:Materia Medica; D028321:Plant Preparations; D014815:Vitamins; D009532:Nickel