Life
Body-piercing jewellery can cause nickel allergies
By DPA
Sep 14, 2006, 19:00 GMT

Stuttgart, Germany ­ Nickel is the cause of most allergies in Germany according to a report in the health magazine, Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift.

The magazine quoted a report by a group of experts from 40 dermatology clinics.

However, the number of new cases of nickel allergy has decreased since the labelling of jewellery that contained nickel became mandatory 10 years ago.

But body-piercings that contains the metal are now a new source of allergies according to the scientist Tilmann Oppel of the University of Munich.

The second biggest cause of allergies ­ aromas that contain two or more scents ­ is also on the decline thanks to the introduction of legislation across Europe that forced aroma manufacturers to put the name of 26 from 3000 scents on their products.

In contrast, allergies against the metal cobalt are on the increase. Cobalt is used in jewellery, zips and coins.

There has also been an increase in allergies against chrome which is in some leather goods. Allergies against mercury - which is in some preservatives - are also increasing.

There was no change in the number of cases of allergy to P- Phenylenediamine which is commonly found in hair colourants and henna products.