Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Contact Hypersensitivity as a Murine Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Published on: September 26, 2022
Type 1 and type IV hypersensitivity to nickel
Maeve L Walsh1, Victoria H Smith, Clodagh M King
1Department of Dermatology, Broadgreen Hospital, Liverpool, UK. maevelwalsh@hotmail.com
Abstract:
We report a case of type 1 and type IV contact hypersensitivity to nickel. Very few cases of immediate contact urticaria to nickel have been reported. The mechanism behind this is not fully understood, although it has been postulated that nickel may act as a mast cell discharger on a non-immunological basis. Nickel is found in varying concentrations in stainless steels; its biological availability varies depending on the alloy composition. Our patient has adapted her lifestyle to minimize her contact with household appliances containing nickel. If medical or dental treatment using stainless steel equipment is required, we recommend a short course of oral corticosteroids and antihistamines.
Related Concept Videos
Hypersensitivities
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
Allergic Drug Reactions
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis

