D2.253 - Trends in Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Metals According to Gender

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is among the most common dermatoses. Nickel, chromium, and cobalt are among the most frequently implicated allergens in contact dermatitis. The prevalence of sensitization to these metals varies over time. Objectives: To compare the prevalence of metal-induced ACD over two consecutive 5-year periods and to analyze temporal trends according to gender.

This was a retrospective descriptive epidemiological study including all cases of allergic contact dermatitis to metals (chromium, nickel, and cobalt) confirmed by patch testing with European Standard Battery (ESB) allergens. Cases were collected from the dermato-allergology unit of the Department of Occupational Medicine and Occupational Diseases at Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia, over a 10-year period.

A total of 475 cases were recorded, accounting for 27.8% of all contact dermatitis cases identified during the same period. These cases were distributed as 225 and 250 cases across the first and second study periods, respectively. The mean age of patients during the first period was 39.19 ± 12.17 years, whereas a slightly younger mean age was observed during the second period (38.0 ± 11.85 years). In both periods, metal-induced ACD predominantly affected relatively young women, with 127 female patients (56.4%) in the first period and 157 (62.8%) in the second period. During both study periods, metal-related ACD was more frequent among professionally active individuals working in the construction sector. The hands were the most commonly affected anatomical site in both periods. The erythematous-vesicular pattern was the most frequent clinical presentation during the first period (92 cases, 40.9%), whereas the erythematous-squamous pattern predominated during the second period (87 cases, 34.8%). Multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant association between metal sensitization and gender (p = 0.01).

Women remain more vulnerable to metal allergens. Strengthening preventive measures is therefore essential.