Evaluation and pattern of nickel dermatitis in patients with allergic contact dermatitis

Background: Nickel is the most common allergen in allergic contact dermatitis with diverse clinical manifestations. Objective: To evaluate the clinical pattern of nickel dermatitis in our community by patch testing. Patients and methods: 200 patients with clinical suspicion of allergic contact dermatitis of any age and either sex presenting to the department of dermatology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore were enrolled. All were patch tested using European Standard series. Results: 23% patients had nickel sensitivity. Majority were housewives between 20-40 years of age, belonging to urban middle class. Duration of disease ranged from 2 months to 12 years. Previous history of metal allergy was seen in 41% patients. Polysensitivity was noted in 37% cases. Conclusion: Clinical judgment alone maybe misleading in making a correct diagnosis and patch testing with the European Standard Series is worthwhile.