title: Identification of metallic items that caused nickel dermatitis in Danish patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nickel allergy is prevalent as assessed by epidemiological studies.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In an attempt to further identify and characterize sources that may result in nickel allergy and dermatitis, we analysed items identified by nickel-allergic dermatitis patients as causative of nickel dermatitis by using the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dermatitis patients with nickel allergy of current relevance were identified over a 2-year period in a tertiary referral patch test centre. When possible, their work tools and personal items were examined with the DMG test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 95 nickel-allergic dermatitis patients, 70 (73.7%) had metallic items investigated for nickel release. A total of 151 items were investigated, and 66 (43.7%) gave positive DMG test reactions. Objects were nearly all purchased or acquired after the introduction of the EU Nickel Directive. Only one object had been inherited, and only two objects had been purchased outside of Denmark.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DMG testing is valuable as a screening test for nickel release and should be used to identify relevant exposures in nickel-allergic patients. Mainly consumer items, but also work tools used in an occupational setting, released nickel in dermatitis patients. This study confirmed 'risk items' from previous studies, including mobile phones.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermato-Allergology, National Allergy Research Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark. jacpth01@geh.regionh.dk
authors.forename: Jacob P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Thyssen
authors.forename: Torkil
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Menné
authors.forename: Jeanne D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Johansen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D040421:Cell Phone; D002648:Child; D003257:Consumer Product Safety / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003718:Denmark; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000209:etiology; D005062:European Union; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009532:Nickel / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D010091:Oximes; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010091:Oximes; C013501:dimethylglyoxime; D009532:Nickel