The prevalence of
allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by
nickel is increasing. The probable cause is the increased use of
nickel-containing metals in intimate contact with the skin. The critical factor is the amount of
nickel released from these metals (bioavailable
nickel) onto the skin. In the present study, we determined, with flame atomic absorbtion spectrometry, the amount of
nickel released into synthetic sweat from
metal samples. The results of this method were compared with the results of the
dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test, which is considered to be a reliable means of identifying whether
nickel-containing metals may cause
allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals. Out of 10 samples studied, only small amounts (< 0.5 microgram/cm2/week) were released from 2 samples, and the DMG test was negative. From 5 samples, more than 0.5 microgram/cm2/week was released, and the DMG test was positive. For 3 samples, however, the DMG test was negative, though the flame atomic absorption spectrometry test showed considerable release of
nickel. Therefore, although the DMG test can be used as a first line test for determining
nickel release, some DMG-negative
metal materials probably induce
nickel sensitization, and should by no means be advertised as safe in this respect. We also report a
nickel-allergic patient who developed ACD from
stainless steel, indicating that some types of
stainless steel release enough
nickel to elicit allergic symptoms.