Sensitization to nickel in the Triveneto region: Temporal trend after European Union regulations

Abstract

Highlights After the introduction of the EU regulatory interventions, nickel sensitization decreased significantly in the group of females aged ≤25 years. Women born between 1966 and 1975 presented the higheest prevalence of sensitization to nickel, then prevalence of sensitization gradually decreased with a minimum in more recent years. Nickel sensitization is higher in Italian patients compared to people living in other EU coutries. Additional interventions are needed to address nickel sensitization.

Patch test results with the European baseline series, 2019/20—Joint European results of the ESSCA and the EBS working groups of the ESCD, and the GEIDAC

“…Positive reactions to nickel were most common (19.8 [19.2–20.4]% positivity [95% CI in parentheses]), see Table 2; the higher share seen with the TRUE Test can be attributed to the Spanish results (Table 3), but also the Italian prevalences are high (Table S2) reflecting well‐known regional differences 16,17 . Among the fragrances and related substances tested in the EBS, fragrance mix (FM) I and Myroxylon pereirae yielded very similar results with 6.80 (6.43–7.19)% and 6.62 (6.25–7.00)% pos., respectively.…”

Characteristics and incidence of contact dermatitis among hairdressers in north‐eastern Italy

“…Directive" application in Italy compared with other European Union countries. [57][58][59] Sensitization to PPD, which is the most well-known component of hair dyes, is the commonest cause of ACD among hairdressers. 60,61 The sensitization prevalence to PPD among hairdressers was 20.4%, which is in line with previous studies (ranging between 3.7% and 25%).…”

“…Even though decreased rates of nickel allergy have been found in countries where the Nickel Directive (Council Directive 94/27/EC) has been accepted and followed for a long time, 55 sensitization to nickel is still most prevalent among patients with dermatitis in Europe 56 . One reason for the greater prevalence of nickel sensitization in Italy may be related to a wide presence of costume jewellery and to the delay of the “Nickel Directive” application in Italy compared with other European Union countries 57‐59 …”

Patch Test Positivity to Palladium: A 5-Year Retrospective Study in Triveneto Region, Italy

“…A llergic contact hypersensitivity to metal allergens is a common medical condition that greatly impacts quality of life and work ability-20% of the population is estimated to be hypersensitive to metal allergens. The main cause of metal-induced allergic contact dermatitis is nickel (Ni), with a median prevalence of 8.6% (range, 0.1%-0.8%) in Europe [1][2][3] and 17.9% in the United States, 4 and an even higher value among the Italian female population, where it reaches 34.14%. [1][2][3] To reduce Ni sensitization, in 1994, the first European Ni directive was adopted and came into force in Italy in 2001, restricting the rate of Ni release from consumer products in prolonged contact with skin and in piercing posts.…”

“…The main cause of metal-induced allergic contact dermatitis is nickel (Ni), with a median prevalence of 8.6% (range, 0.1%-0.8%) in Europe [1][2][3] and 17.9% in the United States, 4 and an even higher value among the Italian female population, where it reaches 34.14%. [1][2][3] To reduce Ni sensitization, in 1994, the first European Ni directive was adopted and came into force in Italy in 2001, restricting the rate of Ni release from consumer products in prolonged contact with skin and in piercing posts. 4 In 2004, the limit of Ni release was lowered further, and since 2009, the Ni directive has been included in the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals regulation.…”