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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
08:25
Contact Hypersensitivity as a Murine Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Published on: September 26, 2022
Recurrent infections in patients with nickel allergic hypersensitivity
E Rosato1, A Giovannetti, C Rossi
1Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Clinical Medicine, Clinical Immunology Unit, Rome, Italy.
Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents
|October 16, 2009
Summary
Individuals with nickel hypersensitivity experience more frequent infections. A nickel-poor diet significantly reduced recurrent herpes labialis episodes in patients with nickel allergy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Nickel allergy is a prevalent contact hypersensitivity.
- Nickel exposure may have immunomodulatory or immunotoxic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of infectious diseases in patients with nickel hypersensitivity.
- To assess the impact of a nickel-poor diet on infection rates.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 100 patients with nickel hypersensitivity was compared to 100 healthy controls.
- Infection incidence was recorded, and a subset of patients followed a nickel-poor diet for one year.
Main Results:
- Patients with nickel hypersensitivity showed higher rates of recurrent herpes labialis, urinary tract infections, genital candidiasis, and upper respiratory tract infections.
- A nickel-poor diet led to a significant reduction in recurrent herpes labialis episodes.
Conclusions:
- Nickel allergy is associated with an increased susceptibility to recurrent infections.
- Dietary nickel restriction can mitigate certain infection recurrences, particularly herpes labialis.
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