مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري

Abstract :

Thirty percent of all occupational diseases in industrial societies are occupational skin diseases. An important part of occupational skin diseases is contact dermatitis with respect to epidemiological data. Metals are the most common contact allergens and nickel is the most common among them. Nickel sensitivity in women is particularly related to jewelry, including earrings and other accessories. Especially all kinds of earrings, apparels and their metal clasps, buttons and buckles, coins, keys, frames of glasses and many more different kinds of products contain nickel. Nickel sensitivity in men is primarily occupational. Previous studies have shown that occupational exposure to nickel is seen in many industrial groups including alkaline battery manufacturing, zinc and brass dimming, electroplated coating, welding and electrical wiring. Nickel dermatitis may also occur in hairdressers, musicians and tailors. Nickel dermatitis was found to be associated with dietary nickel. Nickel sensitivity has been determined as higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Patch tests are mainly used for the diagnosis of nickel sensitivity. Reducing nickel exposure is essential for prevention of nickel dermatitis. In this paper, in the light of the literature, occupational groups more prone to nickel dermatitis and diagnosis and prevention of nickel dermatitis are reviewed.