Atopic dermatitis, nickel sensitivity and xerosis as risk factors for hand eczema in women

Knowledge of the relationship between a history of atopic dermatitis and nickel sensitivity as risk factors for hand eczema is limited. Our objective was to study the relative importance of atopic manifestations and nickel sensitivity as risk factors for hand eczema in women. From women referred for patch testing with a dental series, 100 consecutive nickel-positive and 95 nickel-negative patients were studied. A history of atopic manifestations and a history of 5 symptoms of hand eczema, i.e., dry erythemas, maculopapules, vesicles, erosions and hyperkeratoses were recorded. A history of atopic dermatitis was found to increase the risk of the 5 symptoms of hand eczema and sick leave due to hand eczema highly significantly. Nickel sensitivity increased only the risk of vesicles and erosions. Xerosis increased the risk of dry erythemas and vesicles. We concluded that a history of atopic dermatitis was more important than nickel sensitivity as a risk factor for hand eczema in women.