Metal Allergy in Asia

Similar to most patch test centres worldwide, metal allergens are among the most common contact allergens seen in Asian centres. Nickel is consistently ranked within the top three allergens in Asia. Chromium and cobalt are also commonly seen among the top five in many Asian centres. Some previously common patterns of metal allergy, such as gold dermatitis caused by ear piercing and baboon syndrome caused by mercury from broken thermometers, have been less commonly reported in recent years. We also highlight some patterns of metal allergy peculiar to Asia such as scarf brooch dermatitis, airborne dermatitis from pewter dust, desert dust allergy and nickel allergy from underground water.