title: Contact sensitivity to metals (chromium, cobalt and nickel) in childhood.
abstract: Metals, especially nickel, are the most common contact allergens in children. Recent data has shown increased incidence of allergy in industrialized countries. Sensitization can occur at any age, even in neonates. Costume jewelry, particularly earrings, is linked to increased sensitization to nickel. Sensitization to cobalt often occurs by the use of costume jewelry. The most common source of sensitization to chromium is leather. Due to the absence of a specific therapy, the main treatment is to identify and avoid the responsible allergens. This article presents an updated view on the epidemiological and clinical aspects of contact allergy to metals, focusing on prevention strategies and risk factors, and warns about possible and new sources of contact.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Infantil João Paulo II (John Paul II Children’s Hospital), Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais - FHEMIG (Hospital Foundation of the State of Minas Gerais) - Santa Efigênia, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marilda Helena Toledo
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Brandão
authors.forename: Bernardo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gontijo
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002857:Chromium / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003035:Cobalt / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D002857:Chromium; D003035:Cobalt; D009532:Nickel