Nickel Earlobe Dermatitis

Watt, Thomas L.

doi:10.1001/archderm.1968.01610140053012

Cited by 14 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…Steiner was probably the first to call attention to this area as nine of 16 patients with atopic dermatitis had nickel allergy (229). Watt and Baumann found a strong correlation as 15 of 17 girls with earlobe dermatitis were atopic (230). Wahlberg and Skog did not find higher frequencies of atopy in nickel allergic subjects (231).…”

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Nickel and cobalt allergy before and after nickel regulation – evaluation of a public health intervention

Thyssen

2011

Contact Dermatitis

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Over the 20th century, the frequent use of nickel in consumer products resulted in an increasing prevalence of nickel allergy. Risk items included suspenders in the 1950s-1960s; buttons, zippers and rivets in the 1970s; and ear-piercing jewellery in the 1980s. When subjects allergic to nickel were exposed to nickel in high concentrations, it often resulted in allergic nickel contact dermatitis and hand eczema. In 1990, the Danish government began to regulate consumer nickel exposure as a response to the increasing nickel allergy problem. In 1994, the EU Nickel Directive was passed, a regulation that was based on the Danish and Swedish nickel regulations. These major public health interventions were expected to change the epidemiology of nickel allergy and dermatitis in Europe. Furthermore, it was debated whether nickel would be replaced by cobalt in inexpensive jewellery and result in higher prevalence of cobalt allergy. An evaluation of the possible effects of the European nickel regulations is of importance to ensure protection of consumers and dermatitis patients. This doctoral thesis aimed to evaluate the effects of regulatory interventions on nickel exposure by investigating the development of nickel allergy and dermatitis before and after nickel regulation. Furthermore, a change in the association between nickel allergy and hand eczema was evaluated. The nickel spot test was validated to determine its value when used for screening purposes. Possible explanations for the persistence of nickel allergy were explored including genetic predisposition and consumer nickel exposure from jewellery and accessories. A cobalt spot test was developed and validated. Finally, it was evaluated whether a cobalt allergy epidemic had replaced the nickel allergy epidemic after nickel regulation in terms of increasing cobalt sensitization and cobalt exposure. The thesis showed that the prevalence of nickel allergy decreased significantly after nickel regulation in young Danish women from the general population (18-35 years) and in young Danish female dermatitis patients from a university patch test clinic (0-30 years). Stratification by ear-piercing status revealed that women ear pierced before 1990 had a significantly higher prevalence of nickel allergy and dermatitis than women ear pierced after 1990. Furthermore, the association between hand eczema and nickel allergy decreased in young women aged 18-35 years when a comparison was made between women who were patch tested and questioned in, respectively, 1990 and 2006. Despite the decreasing prevalence of nickel allergy, this condition remains prevalent in young Danish women, as about 10% are nickel allergic. Genetic predisposition to nickel allergy was evaluated by investigating the possible association between filaggrin null mutation status and nickel allergy. A positive association was found but it was also concluded that environmental nickel exposure is of much greater importance. Thus, of 354 consumer items purchased from 36 different stores in Copenhagen, 22% released ni...

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Nickel and cobalt allergy before and after nickel regulation – evaluation of a public health intervention

Thyssen

2011

Contact Dermatitis

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“…Dobson,128 in discussing experimental nickel contact dermatitis, stated that nickel dermatitis is seen almost exclusively in atopic persons.The most distinct correlation was reported by Watt and Bauman:682 atopy was present as judged by heredity, case histories, and intracutaneous tests in 15 of 17 young girls with nickel dermatitis affecting the earlobes. Wilson,710 Marcussen,388 Caron,82 Calnan, 74 and Fisher,161 each in an independent study, found no significant connection betwe'en the two skin diseases.…”

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confidence: 80%

NICKEL - Committee on Medical and Biologic Effects of Environmental Pollutants

Author¹

1974

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The members of the committee selected to undertake this project and prepare this report were chosen for recognized scholarly competence and with due consideration for the balance of disciplines appropriate to the project. Responsibility for the detailed aspects of this report rests with that committee. ( Each report issuing from a study committee of the National Research Council is reviewed by an independent group of qualified individuals according to procedures established and monitored by the Report Review Committee of the National Academy of Sciences. Distribution of the report is approved, by the President of the Academy, upon satisfactory completion of the review process.The work on which this publication is based was performed pursuant to Contract No. 68-02-0542 with the Environmental Protection Agency.

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“…In 1968, Watt and Bauman described a method that patients have used to manage these perceived “infections.” They described a case of “flossing the hole” in which the patient used floss to keep the holes open until the inflammation subsided. “She learned that by removing the earrings and inserting dental floss (to keep the holes open) the drainage would subside, only to recur upon reinsertion of the rings.” This practice continues six decades later in American teens (Personal Observation, SEJ). Woven thread inserted into the piercing has a greater potential than dental floss to harbor bacteria and increase the risk of infection at the pierced site…”

Section: Common Sources Of Allergen Exposures From Jewelrymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Ivey

Limone

Jacob

2018

Pediatric Dermatology

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Children's and teens' frequent use of inexpensive "costume" jewelry exposes them to a variety of contact allergens. Greater use heightens the risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis, especially in the setting of body piercings. Several clinical pearls, prevention strategies, and avoidance alternatives are provided in this article to guide clinicians and patients in the management of jewelry-related allergic contact dermatitis.

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Nickel Earlobe Dermatitis

Cited by 14 publications

References 6 publications

Nickel and cobalt allergy before and after nickel regulation – evaluation of a public health intervention

Nickel and cobalt allergy before and after nickel regulation – evaluation of a public health intervention

NICKEL - Committee on Medical and Biologic Effects of Environmental Pollutants

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