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[Copper sulfate allergy with special reference to internal exposure].
M Zabel1, K R Lindscheid, H Mark
1Knappschafts-Krankenhaus Recklinghausen, Abteilung für Dermatologie und Allergologie.
Zeitschrift Fur Hautkrankheiten
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Copper sulphate allergy (CSA) is rare, often linked with nickel or cobalt sensitivities. Standard patch tests are lacking, but low concentrations are recommended due to frequent toxic reactions. Intrauterine devices rarely cause CSA.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Allergology
Context:
- Copper sulphate allergy (CSA) is infrequently reported.
- No standardized patch test exists for CSA.
- Internal copper exposure via intrauterine devices is a growing concern.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the prevalence of CSA in a large patient cohort.
- To assess CSA in patients using copper-containing intrauterine contraceptives.
- To determine appropriate copper sulphate concentrations for skin testing.
Summary:
- A review of 10,936 patch-tested patients (1975-1985) revealed CSA is rare, less common than nickel or cobalt sensitization.
- CSA is typically associated with other metal allergies.
- Toxic reactions to copper sulphate were frequent, suggesting lower test concentrations (0.5% or 0.01%) are advisable.
- Only a small number of patients with intrauterine contraceptives showed sensitivity, though individual cases of skin eruptions were documented.
Impact:
- Highlights the rarity of copper sulphate allergy but emphasizes its association with other metal sensitivities.
- Recommends specific, lower concentrations for copper sulphate patch testing to avoid toxic reactions.
- Provides data on the low risk of CSA from intrauterine copper devices, while acknowledging potential individual reactions.