Nickel Allergy in Danish Women before and after Nickel Regulation

Abstract

Over the 20th century, the prevalence of nickel allergy increased in Western Europe and the United States¹; this increase has been attributed to increased skin exposure to nickel in buttons, zippers, and other objects, earrings in particular. Nickel allergy may lead to nickel dermatitis at the site of contact and is a risk factor for hand eczema.² In 1990, the Danish government began regulating the release of nickel from consumer products including jewelry.³ We investigated the association between the initiation of nickel regulation and the prevalence of nickel allergy and nickel dermatitis.