Eczematous Dermatitis From Nickel

Abstract

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> Allergic contact dermatitis from external exposure to metals is a well-established medical fact. Nickel, chromate, and mercury are the most common causes of metal dermatitis, with nickel by far the most frequent offender.¹Allergic contact dermatitis to nickel is most frequently seen in women from exposure to jewelry, especially earrings, and from garter buckles, but is a common finding in the general population and among industrial workers. Less well known are cases of eczematous dermatitis resulting from internal exposure to metals which are likely to result from either medical or dental intervention. This communication reports a case of nickel-induced eczematous dermatitis from a nickel-containing orthopedic metal implant, to our knowledge, the first in this country and the fifth ever reported, and reviews eczematous dermatitis from internal exposure to metals. <h3>Report of a Case.—</h3> A 20-year-old white woman had her ears pierced in 1967. In July 1968,