Nickel penetration in allergic individuals: bioavailability versus X-ray microanalysis detection

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Nickel allergy is a common contact hypersensitivity.
• Accurate assessment of nickel penetration is crucial for understanding allergic reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the time course of nickel penetration into the skin.
• To correlate skin penetration with the development of local allergic reactions in nickel-sensitive individuals.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Finn Chambers for controlled application of nickel to 34 nickel-sensitive patients.
• Employed X-ray microanalysis to detect nickel presence in skin layers.
• Recorded development of local allergic reactions.

Main Results:

• Biologically significant nickel penetration occurred within hours.
• Minimal physical penetration of the skin was observed.
• Nickel was localized to the upper keratin cell layer.

Conclusions:

• Nickel can penetrate the skin and elicit allergic reactions relatively quickly.
• The primary site of nickel deposition is the superficial skin layer.