Nickel release from ear piercing kits and earrings

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Materials Science
• Allergology

Background:

• Nickel-containing jewelry, particularly earrings, is a significant cause of nickel sensitization.
• Many individuals develop allergic contact dermatitis due to nickel exposure from ear piercings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify nickel release from various ear piercing studs and earrings.
• To assess the correlation between nickel release levels and allergic reactions in nickel-sensitive individuals.

Main Methods:

• Nickel release from stainless steel and other earring types was measured after storage in synthetic sweat.
• The dimethylglyoxime test was used to detect nickel.
• Nickel-sensitive women wore earrings with varying nickel release levels.

Main Results:

• All tested studs and earrings released nickel, with levels ranging from 0.005 to 442 micrograms.
• Gold or silver plating did not prevent nickel release.
• Eczematous reactions occurred in nickel-sensitive women even with low nickel release levels (down to 0.05 micrograms).
• The dimethylglyoxime test was only positive for high nickel release (>10 micrograms).

Conclusions:

• Nickel release occurs from all types of ear piercing jewelry, regardless of plating.
• Low levels of nickel release can trigger allergic reactions in sensitized individuals.
• Standard nickel detection tests may not identify all jewelry posing a risk to sensitive individuals.