No association between nickel allergy and reporting cosmetic dermatitis from mascara or eye shadow: a cross-sectional general population study.
BACKGROUND
In theory, all pigmented make-up products may contain metal allergens including nickel. Eyelid dermatitis has previously been observed among nickel allergic dermatitis patients following exposure to nickel containing mascara and eye shadow. However, an association between nickel eyelid dermatitis and nickel in make-up products remains controversial.


OBJECTIVE
This cross-sectional patch test study investigated whether the frequency of self-reported cosmetic dermatitis from mascara or eye shadow use was higher among nickel allergic Danish women than women without nickel allergy.


METHODS
In 2006, a total of 1843 18-69 year old women completed a postal questionnaire including questions on cosmetic dermatitis and were patch tested with nickel sulphate. Data were analysed by logistic regression analyses and associations were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).


RESULTS
The prevalence of nickel allergy was similar among women who reported cosmetic dermatitis from eye shadow or mascara and among women who did not report such symptoms. Cosmetic dermatitis was positively associated with self-reported atopic dermatitis and age.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, no association between having nickel allergy and reporting cosmetic dermatitis from mascara or eye shadow use was found in the general population. This does not exclude a causal relationship in selected cases.
Thyssen
J P
JP
National Allergy Research Centre, Department of Dermato-Allergology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. jacpth01@geh.regionh.dk
Linneberg
A
A
Menné
T
T
Nielsen
N H
NH
Johansen
J D
JD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D003718:Denmark; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010328:Patch Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D055815:Young Adult
D003358:Cosmetics; D009532:Nickel