Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2021 Oct 22;49(293):337-340.
ABSTRACT
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common skin disorder caused by contact with an exogenous substance that elicits a hypersensitivity response in susceptible individuals. Changing fashion trends, the process of industrialization as well as official legislations restricting the use of metals in recreational and occupational products change the epidemiological patterns in the European countries.
AIM: The aim of the study was to estimate the current prevalence of isolated and concurrent sensitization to nickel sulfate, cobalt chloride and potassium dichromate, as well as to investigate their associations with potentially predisposing epidemiological and clinical factors.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1200 patients with suspected ACD were enrolled for this study. Medical records were taken on the basis of the standardized questionnaire to collect epidemiological and clinical variables. All patients were tested with T.R.U.E. TEST Panel 1.2 and Panel 2.2, including the total of 24 allergens.
RESULTS: We observed statistically significant difference in mean age between women allergic to cobalt (41 vs 49; p<0.001) and nickel (41 vs 50; p<0.001) than among women not allergic to metals . Female gender was a significant risk factor for an allergy to nickel (OR 3.7909, CI95%: 2.4081 – 5.9677; p<0.001). Chi2 test showed that atopic dermatitis may influence the prevalence of allergic reaction to cobalt in a group of women and men, as well only among women or men – the most significant association was noted among men (OR=3.8472, CI95%: 1.1518 – 12.8503; p=0.0285). The sensitization any metal was a significant risk factor for an allergy to other metallic allergens.
CONCLUSIONS: Our study gives a valuable insight into the metal allergy prevalence in Polish population and sheds some light on the associated risk factors. The results serve to raise questions concerning the relevance of metal allergies and to highlight the need for more effective preventive measures.
PMID:34800019
