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Ear piercing as a risk factor for contact allergy to nickel
Marilda H T Brandão1, Bernardo Gontijo, Marcela A Girundi
1Serviço de Dermatologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. marilda.brandao@gmail.com
Insights
Metal allergy is common in children, with nickel allergy affecting 20.1%. Ear piercing significantly increases the risk of nickel allergy, highlighting the need for parental awareness and further research on safe earring materials.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Metal contact allergy is a growing concern in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors is crucial for prevention and management.
- Nickel allergy, in particular, has shown an increasing trend.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of metal contact allergy (chrome, cobalt, nickel) in children.
- To identify risk factors associated with metal allergies in pediatric patients.
- To specifically investigate the link between ear piercing and nickel allergy.
Main Methods:
- An uncontrolled, cross-sectional study was conducted at a health center in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
- 144 children aged 0-12 years underwent patch testing for chrome, cobalt, and nickel.
- Reactions were assessed at 96 hours, with statistical analysis performed on positive results.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of metal contact allergy was 4.9% for chrome, 9.7% for cobalt, and 20.1% for nickel.
- Children with pierced ears showed a significantly higher likelihood of reacting to nickel (odds ratio = 2.8, p = 0.031).
- Nickel allergy was the most prevalent metal allergy identified in the study cohort.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of nickel allergy, especially in children with pierced ears, warrants parental caution.
- Ear piercing is a significant risk factor for developing nickel allergy.
- Further research is recommended to establish guidelines for safe ear piercing practices and earring materials.
Objectives:
To determine the prevalence of metal contact allergy among the children seen at a health center children with metal allergies in terms of risk factors.
Methods:
This was an uncontrolled cross-sectional study undertaken at a health center in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Children aged from 0 to 12 years were recruited when they presented at the health center for routine pediatric consultations and were given contact tests for chrome, cobalt and nickel. Statistical analyses were conducted on test readings taken at 96 hours. Results classed as weak (+), strong (++) or extreme (+++) were defined as "reaction," while those classed as doubtful, negative or irritant were defined as "no reaction."
Results:
A total of 144 children completed the study protocol. Of these, 4.9% exhibited a reaction to chrome, 9.7% to cobalt and 20.1% to nickel. Patients with pierced ears were more likely to react to nickel than those without pierced ears (p = 0.031 and odds ratio = 2.8).
Conclusions:
In view of the current tendency for the prevalence of nickel allergy to increase, parents should be warned about its association with ear piercing. Further studies are needed to determine the ideal age for ear piercing and the ideal materials for earrings.
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