Potential future increase in extreme one-hour precipitation events over Europe due to climate change

In this study the potential increase of extreme precipitation in a future warmer European climate has been examined. Output from the regional climate model (RCM) HIRHAM4 covering Europe has been analysed for two periods, a control period 1961-1990 and a scenario 2071-2100, the latter following the IPCC scenario A2. The model has a resolution of about 12 km, which is unique compared with existing RCM studies that typically operate at 25-50 km scale, and make the results relevant to hydrological phenomena occurring at the spatial scale of the infrastructure designed to drain off rainfall in large urban areas. Extreme events with one- and 24-hour duration were extracted using the Partial Duration Series approach, a Generalized Pareto Distribution was fitted to the data and T-year events for return periods from 2 to 100 years were calculated for the control and scenario period in model cells across Europe. The analysis shows that there will be an increase of the intensity of extreme events generally in Europe; Scandinavia will experience the highest increase and southern Europe the lowest. A 20 year 1-hour precipitation event will for example become a 4 year event in Sweden and a 10 year event in Spain. Intensities for short durations and high return periods will increase the most, which implies that European urban drainage systems will be challenged in the future.

Flare-up reactions after oral challenge with nickel in relation to challenge dose and intensity and time of previous patch test reactions

BACKGROUND

In this study we have taken an interest in systemic exposure to nickel in patients with delayed hypersensitivity to nickel.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to more closely investigate the importance of factors such as ingested nickel dose, time interval between nickel patch testing and oral nickel challenge as well as degree of nickel hypersensitivity in relation to flare-up reactions.

METHODS

Thirty nickel-sensitive female subjects were patch tested with a serial dilution of nickel sulfate in water on 4 different test occasions during a period of 7 months. One month after the last patch test the patients were randomly divided into 3 different groups. The patients in the groups were challenged orally with a placebo capsule, 1.0 mg nickel, or 3.0 mg nickel.

RESULTS

None of the patients challenged with placebo had flare-up reactions of earlier patch test sites, but 2 of the patients challenged with 1.0 mg nickel and all of the patients challenged with 3.0 mg nickel had flare-up reactions. There were significantly more flare-up reactions of the most recent patch test sites (1 month) compared with the most distant (8 months) test sites. There was also a statistically significant positive correlation between the intensity of previous positive patch tests and the flare-up reactions.

CONCLUSION

In the assessment of the possibility of systemic allergic contact dermatitis from nickel, the dose as well as the intensity and time since previous nickel eczema have to be considered.

Individual variation in nickel patch test reactivity

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Various factors such as hormones, drugs, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation may influence patch test reactions. The aim was to study the individual variation in nickel reactivity, also in relation to the menstrual cycle.

METHODS

Thirty women allergic to nickel were studied for 7 months with patch tests with a serial dilution of nickel sulfate in water on four different test occasions. The patients belonged to two different eczema groups, one with nickel allergy, atopy, and pompholyx (12 patients); and the other with nickel allergy, but without both atopy and hand eczema.

RESULTS

None of the patients showed the same patch test reactivity on all four occasions, and the highest individual difference noticed was 250 times for the four test occasions. Furthermore, two of the patients had completely negative test reactions on at least one test occasion.

CONCLUSION

The variation in nickel reactivity as shown in this article is of great importance and should be kept in mind when a patient has a positive history of allergic contact dermatitis but negative patch test results to nickel.

Expression of tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activator activities in chronic venous leg ulcers

BACKGROUND

Chronic wounds have been shown to exhibit elevated levels of several classes of proteinases. Plasminogen activators (PAs) are proteinases which play a major role in the biological processes involved in wound healing and abnormalities in PAs may play a role in the pathology associated with chronic wounds. Here, we investigated the expression of tPA and uPA activities in chronic venous ulcer biopsies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 22 patients with chronic venous leg ulcers, punch biopsies were taken from the ulcer base, ulcer margin and uninvolved skin from the thigh of the affected limb and PA activities were assessed using in situ histological zymography.

RESULTS

tPA is the main PA activity in uninvolved skin but was reduced in ulcer margin skin and venous leg ulcer tissue compared to normal skin. uPA activity appeared throughout the ulcer margin skin but was at low levels in normal skin. Ulcer base tissue appeared to exhibit a plasminogen-independent proteinase activity not seen in normal or ulcer margin skin.

CONCLUSION

PA activities are altered in and around chronic venous leg ulcers and their distribution suggests that blood vessels in CVI may be damaged and that the tissue is in an inflamed state.

The significance of previous allergic contact dermatitis for elicitation of delayed hypersensitivity to nickel

Several factors, such as amount of allergen, vehicle, anatomic site, immunologic status and previous eczema, may influence delayed hypersensitivity reactions. In an extended model, we have studied the significance of previous allergic contact dermatitis for elicitation of delayed hypersensitivity to nickel in 25 nickel-allergic females. On 3 occasions, 8, 4 and 1 months before the final challenge patch testing, an experimental allergic contact dermatitis from nickel was induced on the lower back. At the challenge patch testing, 4 identical dilution series of nickel were tested on 4 areas on the lower back 3 with previous but healed dermatitis and 1 control area. The tests were read in a blind way. A significantly higher test reactivity was found at the areas with a previous allergic contact dermatitis, the shorter the time interval between the previous provocation and the challenge, the stronger the reaction. These results may be of importance for the understanding of factors contributing to chronicity of allergic contact dermatitis.

Hydrogen peroxide cream: an alternative to topical antibiotics in the treatment of impetigo contagiosa

In total, 256 patients with bacteriologically verified impetigo contagiosa were included in three double-blind, parallel group, randomized, multi-centre trials, where the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide cream (Microcid) was compared with that of fusidic acid cream/gel (Fucidin). The trials were performed at 47 centres in three countries, Sweden, Germany and UK, and the results are compiled in the present report. During the course of the 3-week treatment period, 92 patients out of 128 (72%) in the Microcid group were classified as healed, compared to 105 patients out of 128 (82%) in the Fucidin group. This difference was not statistically significant. The reduction in composite sign severity score (the sum of the score for erythema, vesiculation/bullae, weeping and crusting divided by four) in each separate study was 73%, 78% and 84% in the Microcid group and 85%, 85% and 84% in the Fucidin group. No statistically significant differences were found in the separate studies or when compiling the studies in a meta-analysis. When the patients had been classified as healed, beta-haemolytic streptococci were eliminated in all patients treated with Microcid cream. Since treatment started before the result of the bacteriology was known, another 135 patients with negative skin culture were enrolled in the trials, i.e. 391 patients were included in the safety analysis. Out of these, 23 patients reported the occurrence of adverse events, mainly classified as mild. In conclusion, Microcid cream has been documented as a topical alternative to fusidic acid in the treatment of impetigo.

Treatment of chronic hand eczema with UV-B Handylux in the clinic and at home

The efficacy of UV-B irradiation, administered by a new unit, Handylux, in patients with chronic hand eczema was investigated. 15 patients were treated in the clinic and 11 patients at home. Treatments were performed 4-5 x weekly for approximately 10 weeks. According to the strict criteria used for clearing, none of the patients cleared during the study, but 18 of the 26 patients were defined as much improved by the investigator, while 17 of the patients considered themselves as > 80% improved. The compliance in both groups was very good and side-effects limited and dose-related. According to our experience, the effect of high dose UV-B in chronic hand eczema is almost comparable to PUVA, and offers an opportunity for patients to treat themselves at home.

Nickel levels in serum and urine in five different groups of eczema patients following oral ingestion of nickel

Patients with nickel allergy and different types of eczema with and without atopy were given a single oral dose of nickel sulfate. Blood levels and urinary excretion were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Urinary excretion of nickel was found to be dependent on age, decreasing with increasing age. When difference in age between the eczema groups was taken into account, the level of nickel in urine was significantly (p < 0.005) higher in the two atopy groups compared to the controls. This may indicate a higher intestinal absorption of nickel in atopic skin disease.

Quality of life in chronic leg ulcer patients. An assessment according to the Nottingham Health Profile

Chronic leg ulcer is a disease of long duration, occurring predominantly in elderly people. Traditionally, little interest has been devoted to the study of the impact of this disease on life quality. In the present study the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) was used to assess disease influence on six areas of daily life, namely: pain, physical mobility, sleep, energy, emotional reactions and social isolation. Standard questionnaires were distributed to patients with chronic leg ulcers of venous, arterial or mixed venous-arterial origin, treated at the Department of Dermatology. Complete data were obtained from 125 patients. The disease had a marked impact on the patient's subjectively perceived health. Males exhibited remarkably elevated scores, compared to the normative scores for men, especially in the areas of pain, emotional reactions, social isolation and physical restrictions. For women the impact of leg ulcer disease, although obvious, seems much less marked than for males. An exceptionally long median duration of leg ulcer disease was found among shop-assistants. It is possible that preventive measures should be undertaken in this group. The duration of leg ulcer disease did not seem to influence the quality of life. Patients with long disease duration in fact reported fewer problems than those with shorter duration, suggesting adaptive mechanisms. This study indicates that male leg ulcer patients should be more closely observed for symptoms of emotional stress, pain, social isolation and impaired physical mobility. More efforts should be made to alleviate pain. Above all this study underlines the importance of considering not only the ulcer but the whole patient.

Analysis of therapy-resistant venous leg ulcers

Chronic leg ulcers represent a major health-care problem with considerable socioeconomic impact. Patients with seemingly therapy-resistant leg ulcers are common to all clinics. The purpose of the present study was to (1) examine a group of patients with nonhealing venous leg ulcers treated with a double-layer bandage and (2) evaluate whether the addition of an interactive hydrocolloid wound dressing could initiate healing in these patients. Twenty-two patients with ulcers caused by venous insufficiency were included. The patients had a mean ulcer duration of 27.6 years. Duration of the present ulcer was at least 1 year (mean >/= 4.1 years). Twenty of the 22 patients showed massive lipodermatosclerosis. Before inclusion, all patients had used double-layer bandage consisting of a zinc-impregnated bandage or stocking and a self-adhesive compression bandage for 1 year or longer without improvement. The new regimen was a triple-layer treatment with the hydrocolloid water applied over the ulcer and the traditional double-layer bandage unchanged. Three patients were dropped from the study. Nineteen patients were followed until healing or for 10 months. Nine of the 19 patients who completed the study healed. Ulcer area was reduced by 70% or greater in 7 patients and by 30% to 40% in two patients. One ulcer did not respond to the treatment and worsened slightly. The results of this study were encouraging and indicate that the triple-layer treatment with the hydrocolloid dressing applied to the ulcer should be evaluated in a randomized, controlled study in patients with less pessimistic prognoses.

A demographic survey of leg and foot ulcer patients in a defined population

By means of a questionnaire sent to all medical units in Malmö, including primary care, homes for the elderly, and industrial health clinics, 275 patients with leg and foot ulcers were identified. With a population of 232,908 in Malmö, this corresponds to a prevalence of 0.12%, which is lower than reported by others. Since the response rate was high (88% total, Primary Care: 100%), the prevalence of 0.12% is, however, believed to be real and might be explained by the urban area investigated, with easy access to care and proximity to one somatic hospital. 50% of the patients with leg and foot ulcers were treated in Primary Care, and 30% of the leg ulcer patients were treated at the Department of Dermatology. 88% of leg and foot ulcer patients were over 75 years of age. Median age was 79.5 years, with 80 for women and 76.5 for men. In Primary Care the median age was 82. There was a predominance of women in the study population with an overall sex ratio of 3:1. A higher proportion of patients living alone was found in Primary Care. The etiology of the ulcers was considered to be "unknown" or "other" or else no statement was given in 36% of the leg ulcer- and 22% of the foot ulcer patients. This might reflect an overall uncertainty about the underlying etiological cause. Medially and laterally located leg ulcers were reported equally often, but there was also a great proportion of wholly or partially circumferential ulcers. 76% of the foot ulcers were located on the toes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Leg and foot ulcers. Nursing care in Malmö, Sweden

Questionnaires concerning nursing care of leg and foot ulcer patients in three major care-giving sectors of the national health service, namely the Department of Dermatology, general hospital wards/clinics, and primary care, have been analysed. The overall response rate was 88% (primary care: 100%). Forms regarding 193 patients with leg ulcers and 64 patients with foot ulcers were analysed. Substantial differences in nursing care were noted between the three sectors. In 55% of the leg ulcers and 45% of the foot ulcers fibrin slough was present in the ulcer. Black, necrotic tissue was present in 8% of the leg ulcers and 22% of the foot ulcers. Profuse ulcer-exudation was most commonly reported for leg ulcer patients treated at the Department of Dermatology, while the majority of foot ulcers had only a mild exudation. Frequency of dressing changes varied between 1.4 times/week for leg ulcers at the Department of Dermatology and 9.2 times/week (foot ulcers 11.6) at general hospital clinics. Local wound dressings were exclusively chosen by physicians at the Department of Dermatology, mainly by physicians at general hospital clinics, and equally often by physicians and nurses in primary care. Time since last evaluation of the ulcer by a physician varied. At the general hospital clinics, 89% of the patients with leg ulcers had been seen by a physician within the last 2-month period. At the Department of Dermatology, 89% and in primary care 61% of the patients were examined within this period. 11% of the patients in primary care had never consulted a physician for their ulcers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Delayed hypersensitivity reactions following allergic and irritant inflammation

Delayed hypersensitivity retest reaction 3 and 6 weeks after induction of allergic and irritant inflammation, was studied in 13 females with known hypersensitivity to nickel. An increased retest reaction compared to controls was observed only in sites of earlier specific allergic inflammation. Also a general down-regulation of the degree of hypersensitivity was observed at retesting.

PUVA and cancer: a large-scale epidemiological study

There is concern about the long-term carcinogenic effects of psoralen and ultraviolet A radiation (PUVA) therapy for treatment of skin disorders. A study of 4799 Swedish patients (2343 males, 2056 females; mean age at first treatment 45.3 years, range 6-93; mean follow-up 6.9 years males, 7.2 years females) who received PUVA between 1974 and 1985 showed a dose-dependent increase in the risk of squamous cell cancer of the skin. Male patients who had received more than 200 treatments had over 30 times the incidence of squamous cell cancer found in the general population. Significant increases (p less than 0.05) were also found in the incidences of respiratory cancer in males and females, pancreatic cancer in males, and kidney and colonic cancer in females. This study confirms previous reports of a dose-dependent increase in the incidence of squamous cell cancer in patients treated with PUVA.

Oral hyposensitization in allergic contact dermatitis

In this review, the concepts of hyposensitization, tolerance and hardening are defined. Studies concerning hyposensitization by different routes of allergen administration are mentioned. The most important studies in humans, as well as in experimental animals, regarding oral hyposensitization are then gone into more thoroughly. The possible mechanisms of hyposensitization are discussed. It is concluded that oral hyposensitization in humans is indeed possible. Furthermore, the reaction is antigen-specific, diminishes quickly, and it is probably the dose administered at a certain moment rather than the total amount of allergens ingested that is crucial when receiving hyposensitization. However, further performed studies do not justify the routine use of oral hyposensitization.

Nickel dermatitis. An update

Several reports indicate that the prevalence of nickel sensitivity among females in the general population is around 10 per cent and probably is increasing, especially in schoolchildren. It has been claimed that there is such a high correlation between a positive history of nickel hypersensitivity and patch-test results that testing is unnecessary if there is a history of hypersensitivity. This is not true. Nickel hypersensitivity itself is not a serious health problem for the individual. However, when hand eczema also is present, the situation is quite different. Concerns about medical metal implants in nickel-sensitive persons appear to have been exaggerated, and nickel intake in food probably is not a serious difficulty, although some persons may be unusually sensitive. In dealing with the clinical problems of nickel dermatitis, we must not overlook prophylaxis. It seems important to introduce safe methods of ear piercing (a primary source of nickel hypersensitivity) and to spread information about the health hazard potential of the seemingly harmless sensitivity to nickel.

Oral hyposensitization in nickel allergy

In two controlled studies, each including 24 patients with contact allergy to nickel, different protocols were designed in an attempt to diminish the patients' hypersensitivity by oral administration of the antigen. With doses of 5.0 mg nickel sulfate taken once a week for 6 weeks, but not with 0.5 mg daily, the degree of contact allergy was significantly lowered, measured as patch test reactions before and after nickel administration.

UVB serum factor: suppression of allergic contact dermatitis in guinea pigs

Serum from guinea pigs exposed to a single high dose of UVB and from controls was injected into the spleen of normal animals 5 days prior to sensitization. When 1.0 ml was transferred 4.5 h after irradiation, immunosuppression was obtained. Transfer of 1.5 ml of serum 2.5 h after irradiation failed to induce immunosuppression. This experimental model in guinea pigs might be valuable in further studies investigating the effect of other modalities of ultraviolet exposure (e.g., PUVA or high-dose UVA) on the release of soluble serum factor(s) inducing immunosuppression in allergic contact dermatitis.

Fixed drug eruption: an immunohistochemical investigation of the acute and healing phase

Five patients were each challenged orally with a drug which had previously induced a fixed drug eruption. A positive reaction occurred in all the patients. Punch biopsies were taken 6-12 h, 24 h and 3 weeks after challenge. The specimens were tested with different mouse anti-human monoclonal antibodies to identify T lymphocytes and phenotypic subsets, natural killer cells, B lymphocytes, OKT-6 and HLA-DR-positive cells. T suppressor/cytotoxic cells seemed to play a major role in initiating the flare-up reaction and preserving the cutaneous memory function of the fixed drug eruption.

Open, closed and intradermal testing in nickel allergy

Open, closed and intradermal testing with NiCl2 was performed in 15 subjects with patch-test-proven allergy to 5% NiSO4 in pet. Intradermal testing proved to be a reliable method in confirming nickel sensitivity within 24 h. Open testing with non-toxic concentrations of NiCl2 in alcohol resulted in 73% and 93% positive reactions at 24 h and 48 h readings, respectively. This test method can be used as a reliable screening method in nickel allergy. Open testing often resulted in positive reactions within a few hours. This makes it possible to investigate pathogenetic events of acquired allergic contact dermatitis at a much earlier stage than with the usual 48-h occlusion. 24-h occlusion with Finn Chambers is not sufficient if one is to avoid false negative reactions in nickel allergy. Occlusion with Finn Chambers seems to delay the reaction.

Does sodium cromoglycate have an effect on contact dermatitis?

Sodium cromoglycate was applied to the forearm of 9 subjects with known delayed hypersensitivity, and to the back of 14 dinitrochlorobenzene-sensitized guinea pigs before challenge with the allergen and sodium lauryl sulphate. Sodium cromoglycate did not decrease the intensity of allergic of toxic-irritant reactions in either humans or guinea pigs.

Natural history of dermatitis herpetiformis in southern Sweden

A retrospective clinical survey of 96 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) was performed in two defined populations of 425,000 in southern Sweden. The incidence of DH was 1.05-1.13/100,000 inhabitants/year and the prevalence was approximately 20-25/100,000 inhabitants. In one-third of DH patients the age at onset was greater than 60 years. In women with DH a strong connection to thyroid dysfunction was observed, but also other conditions of probable autoimmune pathogenesis were found in both sexes. No connection to malignant disease was observed. DH seems to be less active the later in life it starts. Several patients with DH manage without dapsone or need dapsone just occasionally in connection with bouts. This is the case even without a gluten-free diet. Many mild cases of DH were observed without a gluten-free diet; therefore, this restricting regimen should be prescribed only in more active cases of DH.

Expression of OKT6 antigen by Langerhans cells in patch test reactions

Previous studies in humans and guinea pigs indicate that Langerhans cells (LC) participate in elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis. The number and morphology of LC was determined in acute and healed allergic patch test sites, control (petrolatum) sites and normal skin in nickel-sensitive individuals using OKT6 monoclonal antibody and avidin-biotin/peroxidase labeling. Compared to normal skin, the staining intensity and number of epidermal LC was significantly increased in allergic (p less than 0.02) and petrolatum control (p less than 0.02) sites, and in 6- to 8-week old allergic patch test sites (p less than 0.006). The in situ changes in LC induced by petrolatum alone may be a result of the occlusive patch test, or may suggest that petrolatum is not as neutral as previously believed. The nickel-induced increase in LC may indicate changes in the LC present in the epithelium at the time of testing, or migration of additional LC into the epithelium, which can then remain in situ for weeks after the antigenic challenge. The specificity of the LC increase in allergic contact dermatitis is questioned on the basis of the increase noted with petrolatum.

Flare-up reactions and desensitization from oral dosing in chromate-sensitive guinea pigs

Flare-up reactions were induced in potassium dichromate hypersensitive guinea pigs by a single oral dose of 55 mg/kg. This dose is systemically toxic and higher than the dose required to induce the same reactions in humans. A total oral dose of potassium dichromate of 90-115 mg/kg induced immunological unresponsiveness for at least 6 weeks. With limitations, the guinea pig model may be helpful in screening the hyposensitization capacity of different haptens dosed orally.

Effect of vehicle on elicitation of DNCB contact allergy in the guinea pig

22 DNCB sensitized guinea pigs were challenged with varying amounts dissolved in alcohol, acetone and olive oil. DNCB applied in alcohol resulted in almost 100% positive reactions; the test scores correlated to dose. When similar amounts were applied in alcohol and acetone, the former produced a significantly higher degree of positivity. The importance of defining allergen concentration, volume or weight of test substance applied and test area size, when comparing test results in guinea pigs and humans, is emphasized.

Prognosis in nickel allergy and hand eczema

63 female patients with nickel allergy and hand eczema were reinvestigated 6 years after the primary investigation. 30% of the patients were healed. Patients with the pompholyx-type eczema had the worst prognosis. The start of hand eczema was not correlated to any particular occupation. There was a strong correlation between a history of metal sensitivity and a positive patch test reaction. High frequencies of personal and family atopy were found, and atopy made the prognosis worse. Determination of serum IgE was not found to be of any use in predicting the prognosis in patients with nickel allergy and hand eczema.

Micromorphology and specificity of orally induced flare-up reactions in nickel-sensitive patients

Abstract not available

Nickel concentration of blood and urine after oral administration

Nickel concentration in serum and whole blood as well as nickel excretion in urine was assayed at different time intervals before and after ingestion of nickel sulfate in eight healthy volunteers during a three days study. The peak level of nickel in blood was reached 2.5 hours after nickel ingestion and the maximal urinary excretion of nickel was during the first eight hours after ingestion. Great individual variations in nickel concentrations in blood and nickel excretion in urine were observed. Analysis of nickel in both urine and serum reflects ingestion of a soluble nickel salt, but urine seems to be most reliable to follow.

Nickel concentration of blood, urine and sweat after oral administration

Healthy volunteers without nickel hypersensitivity were given 5.6 mg nickel orally. The nickel concentration was assayed in urine, serum and sauna-provocated sweat from hands and trunk before and after nickel ingestion. The nickel concentration in serum increased in all subjects, and in most cases in urine, but not decisively in sweat.

Effect on growth and nickel content of cabbage plants watered with nickel solutions

Chinese cabbage plants were watered with different concentrations of NiCl2 solutions and the effect on growth and uptake of nickel in the plants were studied. No toxic effect on plant growth was observed. A higher content of nickel was found in the plants exposed to more concentrated nickel solutions. Nickel contamination and its clinical consequences are discussed.

Release of nickel from cooking utensils

The release of nickel to boiling water from new and used saucepans of different material was measured. No nickel was released from aluminium, teflon and enamel. Certain amounts of nickel were released from stainless steel, but only at acid pH.

External and internal exposure to the antigen in the hand eczema of nickel allergy

A provocation study was performed in twelve female patients with contact allergy to nickel and hand eczema of the pompholyx type. Intense handling of nickle-contaminated metal objects did not induce any visible eczematous activity. Oral administration of nickle in a double-blind test provoked an aggravation of the hand eczema in nine of the twelve patients, and in seven of the patients this was accompanied by secondary eruptions including outbreaks of earlier, healed eczema. The nickle dose given is probably in the upper limit of the presently known daily intake of the metal, but should be considered to be within the physiologic range. It is concluded that ingestion of small amounts of nickel may be of greater importance in maintaining the hand eczema than external contacts with the metal.

Nickel allergy and hand eczema

A clinical study was performed in 66 female patients with hand eczema and contact allergy to nickel. They were drawn from a basic material of 165 patients with nickel allergy in which hand eczema occurred in 86 cases (52%). The hand eczema started at an average age of 32 years and it had been preceded by a metal hypersensitivity for an average of 6 years. The eczema was found to be chronic with a mean duration up to the time of examination of 8 years. It was associated with secondary eruptions in half of the cases. The hand eczema showed a low degree of relevance with regard to dependance of occupation or vacation, as well as to exacerbation of the dermatitis after a direct contact with nickel-coated objects. The clinical examination disclosed in 77% a pompholyx, i.e. a symmetric vesicular eruption mainly located on the palms and volar aspects of fingers, and sides of fingers. The eczema often showed a periodic activity, with about 15 annual eruptions in the pompholyx cases. It is concluded that simple external contact with the metal can hardly explain the most common clinical pattern of the hand eczema in nickel allergy.