摘要
Background: The 1-and the 2-euro coins consist of nickel alloys, which release nickel. The nickel released by far exceeds the amount allowed by the European Union Nickel Directive referring to products intended to come into direct and prolonged contactwith the skin. As there is only temporary contact with the skin, the clinical relevance of nickel-containing coins with regard to nickel dermat itis is a matter of debate, although there is evidence that the nickel released from the coins affects some nickel-sensitive subjects through occupational expo sure. Objectives: Our aim was to study skin reactivity to euro coins, and to cor relate the frequency and intensity of coin patch test responses to sensitization thresholds to nickel. Patients and methods: Sixty-four nickel-sensitized and 30 non-nickelsensitized subjects were patch tested with serial dilutions of nic kel sulfate (5, 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, 0.01 and 0.005%in distilled water) and with coins. Italian coins (500, 200, 100 and 50 lira) and euro coins (2 and 1 euros, 20 and 5 euro cents) were used for patch testing and compared. Results: The appl ication of 1-and 2-euro coins to the skin induced eczematous reactions, being more frequent and intense in comparison with those provoked by other coins. A co rrelation between intensity of responses to coin patch tests and sensitization t hreshold to nickel was observed. Patients with the strongest reactions to 1-and 2-euro coins showed positive responses to the lowest nickel concentrations. Co nclusions: The nickel content in euro coins represents a possible health hazard, especially for highly nickel-sensitive subjects. We recommend that nickel sulf ate patch tests should be performed at different concentrations to determine sen sitization thresholds at least in individuals with occupational exposure to coins.
Background: The 1-and the 2-euro coins consist of nickel alloys, which release nickel. The nickel released by far exceeds the amount allowed by the European Union Nickel Directive referring to products intended to come into direct and prolonged contactwith the skin. As there is only temporary contact with the skin, the clinical relevance of nickel-containing coins with regard to nickel dermat itis is a matter of debate, although there is evidence that the nickel released from the coins affects some nickel-sensitive subjects through occupational expo sure. Objectives: Our aim was to study skin reactivity to euro coins, and to cor relate the frequency and intensity of coin patch test responses to sensitization thresholds to nickel. Patients and methods: Sixty-four nickel-sensitized and 30 non-nickelsensitized subjects were patch tested with serial dilutions of nic kel sulfate (5, 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, 0.01 and 0.005%in distilled water) and with coins. Italian coins (500, 200, 100 and 50 lira) and euro coins (2 and 1 euros, 20 and 5 euro cents) were used for patch testing and compared. Results: The appl ication of 1-and 2-euro coins to the skin induced eczematous reactions, being more frequent and intense in comparison with those provoked by other coins. A co rrelation between intensity of responses to coin patch tests and sensitization t hreshold to nickel was observed. Patients with the strongest reactions to 1-and 2-euro coins showed positive responses to the lowest nickel concentrations. Co nclusions: The nickel content in euro coins represents a possible health hazard, especially for highly nickel-sensitive subjects. We recommend that nickel sulf ate patch tests should be performed at different concentrations to determine sen sitization thresholds at least in individuals with occupational exposure to coins.
