Chapter 18 - The interaction of metals and the skin: The good, bad, and the ugly

Abstract

This chapter is focused on the interaction between human skin and metals, and includes cutaneous adverse reactions to topical metal exposure, but also notes examples of minerals used therapeutically and will briefly describe some signs of deficiencies in specific minerals essential for health. This chapter diverges from other sections of the handbook in that it will highlight the skin's exposure and reactions to metals and include a review of commercial, cosmetic and therapeutic uses of metals. The first association that comes to mind related to metals and human skin is usually negative and generally focused on adverse reactions, including hypersensitivity, allergic contact dermatitis, and other toxic sequelae following exposure. Specific metals, however, i.e., calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium are major essential minerals, and trace essential minerals include iron, chlorine, cobalt, copper, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, iodine, and selenium. The therapeutic use of minerals encompasses a wide range of functions including sunscreens, antifungal, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial agents. Mud, especially Dead Sea mud, is a particularly interesting source of minerals used commercially in nonprescription products claiming to improve general skin condition, counteract the effect of pollution, treat psoriasis, and ameliorate inflammation in atopic dermatitis.