Two cases of nickel dermatitis showing vitiligo-like depigmentations

Abstract

The authors reviewed two patients showing "vitiligo-like depigmentations" where the skin had been in close contact with a metal spectacle frame made of nickel alloy. In spite of the hypersensitivity to nickel in both patients, they showed clinical and histologic findings indicate that the formation of "vitiligo-like depigmentation" does not result from posinflammatory hypopigmentation but from chemical hypomelanosis. We could not explain the underlying mechanisms; however, the speculation that the "vitiligo-like depigmentation" may come from the direct effect of the nickel itself, prompted us to report these cases.

Unusual Leukoderma After Erythema Multiforme: A Case Report

“…Leukoderma has also been reported in epidermotropic cutaneous lymphoma (12), actinic dermatitis (13), and Darier disease (14,15). Some compounds such as p‐tertiary‐butylphenol‐formaldehyde resin (16–18), metals such as nickel (19), or drugs such as fluphenazine enanthate (20) and thiotepa (21) can also cause achromic lesions. Our patient had no history of any of the above.…”

Short Communications

“…Laser resurfacing may also induce contact leukoderma (21,22). Contact leukoderma has only ever been reported from nickel in 2 patients with metal spectacle frames (23). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is known to be associated with irritant or allergic contact dermatitis (24), the latter most often due to nickel in the electrodes.…”

“…All were selected by positivity to skin prick tests with aeroallergens/foods and/or by raised total serum IgE. (iii) 11 male healthy volunteers (HV), with mean age 22.4 years (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35). They had no history of eczema or other allergic diseases, negativity of prick tests with aeroallergens/ foods and normal total serum IgE.…”

The many faces of nickel allergy

“…Lichenoid, 50,51 granuloma annulare, 52 and vitiligo‐like 53 reactions add to the list of noneczematous nickel reactions. Anecdotal reports describe lymphomatoid contact dermatitis, 54,55 dyshidrosiform pemphigoid, 56 vasculitis, 57 and a sycosis barbae‐like reaction 58 induced by contact to nickel.…”