When It Comes to Nickel, Free Is Better

Sixteen years after nickel release was regulated in jewelry, nickel allergy and dermatitis were less prevalent in Danish women with pierced ears.

Allergic contact dermatitis may occur after contact with nickel in jewelry, buttons, and zippers. Nickel allergy is so common that the Danish government passed legislation in 1990 limiting the allowable nickel release from jewelry.

To determine whether this action reduced the prevalence of nickel allergy, researchers compared two independent random samples in Copenhagen: 654 participants in 1990, before the nickel legislation was enacted, and 3338 participants in 2006, after legislation had been in place 16 years. All participants underwent patch testing to nickel and answered questions about ear piercing and rash after contact with metals.

Theorizing that nickel allergy was more likely to develop after exposure to jewelry that released more …

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)