Piercing and Metal Sensitivity: Extended Analysis of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group Data, 2007-2014.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Body piercing provides a unique route of metal exposure.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to update previous analyses using the North American Contact Dermatitis Group data comparing pierced and unpierced individuals.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 17,912 patients patch tested by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group from 2007 to 2014 for demographics, positive reactions to metals (nickel, cobalt, chromium), and detailed analysis of nickel reactions by age, sex, and source of exposure.

RESULTS:

Piercing was significantly associated with female sex, being older than 18 years, and atopy (P < 0.003). Nickel sensitivity was associated with 1 or more piercing for men and women combined (P < 0.0001; relative risk [RR], 2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.35-2.75), although this association was stronger for men (RR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.77-2.76) than women (RR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.31-1.65). The frequency of positivity to nickel increased with number of piercings (14.3% for 1 piercing to 34.0% with ≥5 piercings). Piercing was not significantly associated with cobalt sensitivity alone (P = 0.8992) and was negatively associated with chromium sensitivity (P < 0.0001). Jewelry was the most common source of allergic reactions to nickel irrespective of sex or pierced status.

CONCLUSIONS:

Nickel sensitivity was significantly associated with piercing in both men and women. Jewelry was the most common source.

• Authors: Erin M Warshaw, Kelly A Aschenbeck, Joel G DeKoven, Howard I Maibach, James S Taylor, Denis Sasseville, Donald V Belsito, Joseph F Fowler Jr, Kathryn A Zug, Matthew J Zirwas, Anthony F Fransway, Vincent A DeLeo, James G Marks Jr, Melanie D Pratt, Toby Mathias
• Journal: Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug (Dermatitis) 2017 Nov/Dec Vol. 28 Issue 6 Pg. 333-341 ISSN: 2162-5220 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 29135681 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Metals, Heavy
• Chromium
• Cobalt
• Nickel

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Age Factors
• Body Piercing (adverse effects, statistics & numerical data)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Chromium (adverse effects)
• Cobalt (adverse effects)
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (epidemiology, etiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Jewelry (adverse effects)
• Male
• Metals, Heavy (adverse effects)
• Middle Aged
• Nickel (adverse effects)
• North America (epidemiology)
• Patch Tests
• Retrospective Studies
• Risk Factors
• Sex Factors
• Young Adult