Prevalence of contact allergy in the general population: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Objectives: To provide an updated estimate of the prevalence of contact allergy in the general population based on data from our previous review combined with new data from an updated search for relevant studies published between 2007 and 2017. Methods: Two authors independently searched PubMed for studies reporting on the prevalence of contact allergy in samples of the general population. Proportion meta-analyses were performed to calculate the pooled prevalence estimates of contact allergy. Results: A total of 28 studies were included in the analysis, covering 20 107 patch tested individuals from the general population. Overall, the pooled prevalence of contact allergy was 20.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.8%-23.7%). In children and adolescents (<18 years), the prevalence was 16.5% (95%CI: 13.6%-19.7%). The prevalence was significantly higher in women (27.9% [95%CI: 21.7%-34.5%]) than in men (13.2% [95%CI: 9.3%-17.6%]). The most common allergen was nickel (11.4% [95%CI: 9.4%-13.5%]), followed by fragrance mix I (3.5% [95%CI: 2.1%-5.4%]), cobalt (2.7% [95%CI: 2.1%-3.4%]), Myroxylon pereirae (1.8% [95%CI: 1.0%-2.7%]), chromium (1.8% [95%CI: 1.3%-2.6%]), p-phenylenediamine (1.5% [95%CI: 1.0%-2.1%]), methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (1.5% [95%CI: 0.8%-2.5%]), and colophonium (1.3% [95%CI: 1.0%-1.6%]).Conclusions: This meta-analysis confirmed that at least 20% of the general population are contact-allergic to common environmental allergens. It highlights the need for more effective preventive strategies for common allergens in consumer goods, cosmetics, and the workplace.contact allergy, epidemiology, general population, hapten, meta-analysis, prevalence and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. J. P. Thyssen is supported by an unrestricted grant from the Lundbeck Foundation. ORCID Farzad Alinaghi

Changing trends of contact allergens in Thailand: A 12‐year retrospective study

“…The most common allergens in this study were very similar to those found by previous studies from many regions around the world, especially nickel, which was found to be the most common sensitizer during the past decade. [9][10][11][12] The prevalence of contact allergy to metals (nickel sulfate, cobalt…”

Myroxylon pereiraeresin (balsam of Peru) – A critical review of the literature and assessment of the significance of positive patch test reactions and the usefulness of restrictive diets

“…In a 2018 meta-analysis of 12 studies covering 8002 patch tested individuals from the general population, the pooled prevalence of sensitization to MP was 1.8%. 32 Estimates of the 10-year prevalence of contact allergy to MP in the general population of Denmark based on the clinical epidemiology drug-utilization research method in 2006 ranged from 0.57% to 0.77%. 33 In a similar study from Germany, the estimated prevalence in the general population in the period 1992 to 2000 ranged from 1.3% to 3.0%.…”

Peptide Bond Cleavage by Ni(II) Ions within the Nuclear Localization Signal Sequence

“…Nickel is toxic to humans. It frequently elicits contact allergy acting via skin exposure to materials releasing this metal . Unfortunately, many objects of daily use, such as tools, coins, jewelry, or cases of mobile phones and laptops release nickel in amounts high enough to trigger a reaction of the human immune system .…”

“…It frequently elicits contact allergy acting via skin exposure to materials releasing this metal. [1][2][3] Unfortunately, many objects of daily use, such as tools, coins, jewelry, or cases of mobile phones and laptops release nickel in amounts high enough to trigger a reaction of the human immune system. [3][4][5][6][7] Nickel is also abundant in the inhaled cigarette smoke (also from electronic cigarettes), [8,9] and the polluted air.…”