Variable incidence of nickel dermatitis

The incidence of nickel sensitivity in Ljubljana, Yugoslavia, was stable in the periods 1972-1976 (6.7%) and 1977-1981 (6.3%). An increase became apparent when the incidence rose to 8.0% in 1982, and 9.1% in 1982-1986. The sex ratio in 1972-1976 was 2:1 with a female predominance, doubling to 4:1 in 1977-1981 and doubling again to 9:1 in 1982-1986. The highest incidence was in the age groups of 11-20 and 21-30 years. Nickel remains a rare cause of occupational dermatitis. Cheap metal jewelry is the likely source of the increased incidence.