Search

960 schoolgirls of ages 8, 11 and 15 years were investigated regarding the frequency of ear piercing and the prevalence of nickel and cobalt allergy. 72% had had their ears pierced. The prevalence of nickel allergy in the whole material was 9%, among girls with pierced ears 13% and among those without pierced ears 1%. The results show that the prevalence of nickel allergy is just as high among schoolgirls as among adult women. There is a clear relationship between ear piercing and induction of nickel allergy. Prophylactic measures to reduce the prevalence of nickel allergy should be directed against this risk factor.