Children’s clothing fasteners as a potential source of exposure to releasable nickel ions

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous nickel allergy in the very young is not well documented or characterized. A significant number of individuals are nickel sensitized by their mid-teenage years. Recent studies suggest that children may become sensitized to nickel at an early age.

Prevalence of nickel and cobalt allergy among female patients with dermatitis before and after Danish government regulation: A 23-year retrospective study

“…To illustrate the level of nickel exposure, 4 recent US surveys demonstrated excessive nickel release (as assessed by the nickel stick test) from a high proportion of earrings, clothing fasteners, buttons, and belt buckles. [35][36][37][38] Taken together, these results suggest that a regulatory intervention may be a useful tool when handling contact allergy epidemics.…”

Contact sensitization in very young children

“…Possible explanations for the high rate of nickel sensitization include exposure to nickel-releasing clothing fasteners, early ear piercing, or use of cleansing products containing nickel. 21 The prevalence of nickel reactions in our patients was very high, especially if stable patterns of reaction are considered as positive. However, the great majority of stable pattern reactions were weak.…”

Nickel allergy in the United States: A public health issue in need of a “nickel directive”

“…Mohs surgery is available to patients at an off-site location at the majority of VA hospitals (64). Off-site options include Mohs surgeons in nearby academic (30) or private practice settings (17), as well as at regional VA hospitals (17). Twenty VA hostpitals have Mohs contracts.…”