Metal Allergy: State-of-the-Art Mechanisms, Biomarkers, Hypersensitivity to Implants

Metal allergy is mainly an environmental disorder which can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Environmental metal exposures include jewelry, everyday metal items, mobile phones, leather, metal-rich food and implants, including stents or anchors. While consumer exposure is liable for the majority of metal hypersensitivity cases, the significance of occupational exposure to metals remains relevant. Although the most common metal allergens are nickel, chromium, and cobalt; however, lately, gold, palladium, titanium, and some others have also attracted attention. This review highlights advances in metal allergy mechanisms, biomarkers for potential patients' stratification as well as biological treatments. The most recent evidence of human exposure to metal for risk assessment is discussed, as well as the relationship between the occurrence of metal hypersensitivity and implanted devices, including non-characteristic symptoms. The latest data on the diagnosis of metal hypersensitivity are also reported.

Automated summary

Metal allergy is an environmental disorder that can cause allergic contact dermatitis. The sources of metal exposure include jewelry, everyday items, mobile phones, leather, and metal-rich food. Occupational exposure to metals is also significant in the occurrence of metal hypersensitivity. Nickel, chromium, and cobalt are the most common metal allergens, but gold, palladium, titanium, and others have also gained attention recently. This review discusses advancements in understanding metal allergy mechanisms, biomarkers, and biological treatments. It also addresses the relationship between metal hypersensitivity and implanted devices, as well as the latest diagnostic methods.