Editorial: Nickel dermatitis

Many chemical agents can cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) but nickel is one of the most common allergens leading to allergic contact dermatitis.1 Elemental nickel and sweat-soluble nickel salts both cause ACD by sweat solubilization (corrosion) of nickel and the formation of nickel ions, during intimate and prolonged contact with the skin. The rate of nickel ion release to the skin is dependent primarily on the specific substance having contact with the skin. Once nickel allergy has occurred, it persists for many years, often life-long. All age groups are affected but the incidence of nickel sensitivity amongst women tends to rise from 10 years onward