Evaluation and pattern of nickel dermatitis in patients with allergic contact dermatitis
Keywords:
Nickel, dermatitisAbstract
Background Nickel is the most common allergen in allergic contact dermatitis with diverseclinical manifestations.Objective To evaluate the clinical pattern of nickel dermatitis in our community by patchtesting.Patients and methods 200 patients with clinical suspicion of allergic contact dermatitis ofany age and either sex presenting to the department of dermatology, Mayo Hospital, Lahorewere enrolled. All were patch tested using European Standard series.Results 23% patients had nickel sensitivity. Majority were housewives between 20-40 yearsof age, belonging to urban middle class. Duration of disease ranged from 2 months to 12years. Previous history of metal allergy was seen in 41% patients. Polysensitivity was notedin 37% cases.Conclusion Clinical judgment alone maybe misleading in making a correct diagnosis andpatch testing with the European Standard Series is worthwhile.References
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