Prevalence of nickel allergy among Finnish university students in 1995

Nickel allergy was studied in a sample of Ist-year university students star ting their studies in 1995. A total of 296 subjects (72%) of 413 invited pa rticipated in the clinical examination, and 284, 96 male and 188 female, we re patch tested (69%). A history of nickel sensitization was enquired for. Prick tests and serum specific IgE levels were determined. Occurrence of at opic dermatitis, hand eczema, and current exposure to metals were recorded. Nickel allergy was encountered in 39% of all female students. in 42% of fe males with pierced skin, and in 14% of females without pierced skin. The co rresponding figures fur males were 3%, 7% and 3%. In the multiple regressio n analysis, the risk factors for nickel allergy were female sex (OR 8.1, p< 0.01), current metal exposure at examination (OR 4.1, p<0.01) and skin pier cing (OR 3.6, p<0.05). Positive prick tests or elevated IgE levels to commo n allergens were not significantly associated with nickel allergy. In femal e students, the prevalence of nickel allergy has increased from 13% in 1986 to 39%. The prevalence among males has remained low at 3%. The results ind icate that, in addition to skin piercing, current metal contacts are import ant risk factors for nickel allergy. This finding gives support to the EU N ickel Directive.