Body Piercing Research Articles

Hepatitis B Positivity among children screened at a tertiary care hospital and assessment of risk factors.

Objective: To determine the frequency of hepatitis b surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity and associated risk factors among children screened before surgical procedures. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Pediatric Medicine, National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Karachi, Pakistan. Period: 1st February 2024 to 30th July 2024. Methods: A total of 188 children of either gender, aged between 3 months to 15 years, and admitted for any surgical procedure were screened. Demographic information like gender, age, and weight were noted. Information regarding risk factors of HBV infection included evaluation of vaccination status, history of hospital admission, history of injection, blood transfusion, surgical procedure, body piercing, and family history of HBV. HBV infection was labeled on the basis of the presence of surface antigen tested using ELISA. Results: In 188 children, 122 (64.9%) were male, and the mean age was 7.23±7.00 years. HBsAg was positive in 57 (30.3%) children. HBsAg seropositivity was significantly associated with female gender (p=0.001), higher mean age (p=0.001), and higher mean weight (p<0.001). Absence of HBV vaccination (p<0.001), history of hospitalization (45.6% vs. 30.5%; p=0.046), injections (19.3% vs. 8.4%; p=0.033), blood transfusions (31.6% vs. 9.9%; p<0.001), family history of HBV (p=0.015), maternal HBV positivity (p<0.001), and body piercing (33.3% vs. 13.0%; p=0.001) were significantly associated with HBsAg positivity. Conclusion: The frequency of HBsAg positivity among children undergoing surgical procedures was high. Key risk factors associated with HBV seropositivity included absence of vaccination, maternal HBV positivity, family history of HBV, blood transfusions, hospital admissions, and body piercing.

Diagnosis and management of Auricular Lobe Keloid: A case report

Background: Keloid is an abnormal wound-healing process characterized by the formation of benign fibroproliferative tissue following trauma or injury. The auricular area is the most common area affected by keloid. Despite various treatments available, auricular keloid remains recalcitrant. Objective: To report a successful multimodal treatment of ear lobe keloid. Case Report: A 21-year-old male patient presented with bilateral keloids in the right and left earlobe areas sized 2 x 3 cm each. The keloid mass has been slowly growing for the last five months. He had a history of ear piercing in both ear lobes two years ago. The patient underwent bilateral keloid excision, followed by serial intralesional triamcinolone injections on days 3, 7, and 14 after surgery. The histopathological examination of resected tissue was also consistent with keloid tissue. Clinical question: What is the optimal management of auricular lobe keloid? Methods: We performed evidence-based literature reviews regarding optimal management of auricular lobe keloid. Result: Combination therapy is the most widely chosen treatment approach for auricular lobe keloids. This approach provides more aesthetic outcomes and lower recurrence rates than monotherapy. Conclusion: Surgical excision followed by serial intralesional triamcinolone injection is effective for managing auricular lobe keloid. Nevertheless, patients should be advised to avoid body piercing and elective cosmetic procedures to prevent the formation of keloids in the future.

Prevalence and risk implications of Hepatitis B and C Viruses in a University community in Lagos, Nigeria

Objectives: This study determined the prevalence and risk implication of HBV and HCV in an asymptomatic university student group in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 90 students (38 males and 52 females) aged 16-25 years were enrolled in this study. Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies (Anti-HCV) were detected using an ELISA microplate spectrophotometer at 450nm absorbance. Data on medical and socio-demographic information was obtained using pretested structured self-administered questionnaires. Results: The overall seroprevalence for HBsAg and Anti-HCV was 2.2% respectively. Hepatitis B surface antigen was tested in 2 (5.3%) males only. Anti-HCV antibody was detected in both males and females with a prevalence of 1 (2.63%) and 1 (1.92%) respectively; with a male-to-female ratio of 1: 1. The age 19-21 years had HBsAg with a prevalence of 4.26%. The age group 16- 18 years and 19-21 years had an Anti-HCV prevalence of 3.57% and 2.12% respectively. Sexual intercourse, intravenous drug use, tattoos and body piercings were found to be associated (p < 0.05) with HBsAg and anti-HCV. Conclusions: The prevalence of HBV and HCV among undergraduate university students in Lagos was 2.2% respectively. HBsAg and anti-HCV were detected among an asymptomatic group of students aged 16 -21 years with associated risk factors. This group must be considered as a high-risk group for viral hepatitis infection intervention.

Emergency Department Visits After Body Piercings.

There is a paucity of data describing the frequency and complications of body piercing injuries (BPI) in the United States. We conducted a cross-sectional study using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to identify emergency department (ED) visits for BPI from 2011-2020 and to estimate prevalence among US individuals ≤24 years of age. Additionally, estimates for infections, requirements for hospitalization/transfer, and exploring significant associations were investigated. A total of 10,912 ED visits extrapolates to a national estimate of 338,972 BPIs in the United States. A majority of BPI involved females (85%), adolescents or young adults (55%), and ears (71%). Foreign bodies comprised 72.6% of BPI. Thirteen percent of ED piercing visits were associated with infection. Of these ED visits for BPI-associated infection, 3% required hospitalization/transfer. In the context of all piercing-associated injuries, injuries to the pubic region were 16.8 times more likely to require hospitalization compared to body piercing injuries of the ear. In the context of all piercing-associated infections, navel (lower trunk), nipple (upper trunk), and oral (mouth) locations were associated with increased odds of infection when compared to BPI infections of the ear. BPI is a common problem in children, adolescents, and youth. Age and body piercing location significantly impact rates of BPI, infection, and hospitalization/transfer. Further study should identify the total number of annual body piercings in the United States. This could generate targeted counseling and risk reduction interventions aimed at specific groups, especially older children who appear to be at increased risk.

Trends, Motivations and Complications of Body Piercing among Undergraduate Students in a University in Southwestern Nigeria

Background: Body piercing is an increasingly common practice globally. This practice is associated with several health concerns which vary from tissue trauma, allergic reactions, keloids, and infections which can range from local to systemic and transmission of blood-borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis B and C virus. There is limited data in Nigeria on the prevalence, medical and social consequences of body piercing. Hence, this study sought to examine the trends, motivation and complications of body piercing among undergraduate students with body piercings in a university in southwestern Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2022 and January 2023 among undergraduate students with body piercings in a private University in Southwestern Nigeria. Self-administered, semi-structured questionnaires were used to obtain data from the 137 participants. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 19.43 ± 1.52 years and 59.1% were females. The number of body piercings among the participants ranged from 1-9 with 43.8% having 2 body piercings. The ear lobe was the most commonly (66.1%) pierced site. Males were more likely to pierce their tongues while females were more likely to pierce their navels. The predominant motivations for obtaining body piercings were fashion (40.0%), self-expression (36.2%), and creative expression (21.5%). Most (50.0%) of the participants had piercings done by staff in a professional piercing shop, a piercing needle was the most common instrument used (42.6%) and most (79.6%) of the participants reported sterilization of the piercing instrument before use. Only 8.8% of the participants reported complications which ranged from post-piercing bleeding (2.2%), and haematoma formation (4.4%) to tearing of skin (2.2%). Conclusion: Due to the increasing popularity of body piercing, there is a need to increase awareness about the hazards associated with body piercings among piercers, their clients and the health services.

Adolescents’ knowledge on the effects of tattooing and body piercing: A descriptive study

Adolescents’ knowledge on the effects of tattooing and body piercing: A descriptive study

Infectious Complications From Body Piercings—A Narrative Review

Abstract Body piercings are common methods of self-expression and cultural identity and have existed for millennia. However, breaching the dermis and insertion of a foreign object entails risk, including infectious complications. Although serious complications are typically rare, especially in environments where proper piercing techniques and sanitation are practiced, the general public and healthcare professionals may be unaware of the risk for these complications. Serious complications may include tissue necrosis, endocarditis, and brain abscesses. Selection of a proper piercing locale and professional, and the use of personal hygiene practices and piercing site care can go a long way toward preventing infections. Avoidance of especially risky piercing sites or techniques may also be advisable.

Tattoos and Other Body Modification Practices among Child Sex Offenders in Greece

Body modification encompasses procedures to achieve permanent or temporary alterations of the human body. Tattooing and body piercing have become the most prevalent forms of body modification. It is reported that getting tattoos while in detention is reported to be a common practice. Only a few studies have examined the prevalence of body modification practices in prisoners. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of body modifications (tattoos and body piercing) and self-injuries among child sex offenders in a Greek prison, as well as to identify factors associated with having a tattoo or acquiring one while in prison. One secondary aim was to examine this population's main motives for body modifications and shed new light on their functions. The authors present the results of their original quantitative study (with a sample of 181 imprisoned child sex offenders) and discuss them in comparison to those of other studies.

ANALYSIS OF CAUSES FOR PRE-DONATION DEFERRAL AMONG VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONORS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objectives: Pre-donation screening of potential blood donors is critical for ensuring the safety of the blood collected, and donor deferral as a result of risk factors is practiced worldwide. It is important to study the pattern of deferrals to reduce unnecessary deferrals and encourage continuous blood donation. The aim of the present study was to determine the rate and reasons for pre-donation donor deferral among voluntary blood donors. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cross-sectional study conducted by analyzing 3 years of data, from January 2020 to December 2022, over a period of 2 months (December 2022 and January 2023) retrieved from the donor deferral register. The data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Descriptive statistical measures were utilized to present the data. Results: Among 29,847 voluntary donors, 13.81% (4123/29,847) were deferred, of whom 84.2% (3472/4123) were males. The deferral rate among males was 12.19% (3472/28,480), while it was 47.62% (651/1367) in females. 53.04% of the deferred donors were in the age group of 18–30 years (2187/4123). 98.73% (4071/4123) of the deferrals were temporary. Hypothyroidism on treatment (42.30%, 22/52), uncontrolled diabetes on insulin (34.62%, 18/52), and epilepsy on treatment (11.54%, 6/52) were the common reasons for permanent deferral, while low hemoglobin (13.07%, 532/4,123), medications (11.67%, 475/4,071), and body piercing (9.85%, 406/4,123) were the most common reasons for temporary deferral. Low hemoglobin was the common reason for deferral among repeat donors (55.45%, 295/532) compared to first-time donors. Conclusion: The current findings suggest that it is important to increase awareness of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation among young people and educate people about the common criteria for a healthy donor to minimize the loss of blood donors.

Knowledge and Attitude Towards Cutaneous Complications of Tattoos and Piercings Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Tattooing and piercing, which were uncommon in affluent countries, have recently spread throughout societies. Over the past two decades, young people have shown considerable excitement for the practice. This reported growth creates more difficulties because of the numerous operations performed without awareness of health and hygiene requirements. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the general population toward the cutaneous complications of tattoos and piercings in Saudi Arabia. Methods This was a web-based descriptive cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire was developed by the study researchers, which included participants' demographic data, their knowledge of tattoos and piercings with associated health effects and possible infections, their attitude towards tattoos and piercings, and their practice and experienced complications regarding tattooing and body piercing. The final validated questionnaire was made publicly available via social media until no more new responses were obtained. Results Eight hundred and forty-eight individuals completed the study questionnaire. The ages of the participants varied from 18 to more than 55 years old, with a mean age of 25.2 ± 13.9 years, and (589 [69.5%]) were female. The most reported health effects and infections were bacterial infections in place of body modification (479 [56.5%]), purpura (380 [44.9%]), cutaneous abscesses (380 [44%]), melanoma (338 [39.9%]), hepatitis B virus (321 [37.9%]), HIV (311 [36.7%]), sepsis (306 [36.2%]), allergic contact dermatitis (296 [35%]), and hepatitis C virus (279 [33.1%]). In total, 336 (39.6%) had an overall good knowledge of tattooing and body piercing hazards, with higher knowledge among females with high education (p< 0.05). Conclusion This study revealed that one in three individuals knew about the health risks and infections associated with tattooing and body piercing. Higher awareness was found among females with high education levels. Of all the associated complications, procedure-related infections were the most common among participants.

Pharmacy-based screening program to detect hepatitis C in 'baby-boomer' cohorts in western Canada.

The estimated prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Canada is approximately 1.0%. However, the number of individuals living with HCV but unaware of it is estimated to be 30%-44%. Increased screening programs that are accessible, effective, and feasible are important to ensure treatment and meet WHO elimination goals. We implemented an HCV point of care test (POCT) program in community pharmacies to examine the effectiveness and feasibility in screening. Twenty two London Drugs pharmacies in British Columbia and Alberta implemented an HCV POC screening program using OraQuick rapid antibody tests. Consenting patients filled out a 10-question screening questionnaire to examine risk factors. The participants then were tested using the POCT. While waiting for the test (20 minutes), patients were educated on HCV and treatment options. Three hundred seventy-one participants underwent HCV screening. The most common HCV risk factor was being born between 1945 and 1975 (baby boomer) (93% of cohort), while the second most common was having a tattoo or body piercing (22%). Seven people (2%) tested positive; four were HCV-RNA PCR-positive and were treated, whereas the PCR status of three was unknown as they were lost to follow-up or not tested. Pharmacy-based POCT was shown to be effective and feasible in the western Canadian context, especially for baby boomers. Sustainable funding for pharmacy screening programs may be considered nationwide to identify HCV-infected persons and help meet elimination goals.

A Quasi Experimental Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Slide Show on Health Risks related to Body Piercing and Tattooing Among Adolescents Aged Between 13-17 Years Studying in Selected School, Sriganganagar, Rajasthan

A Quasi Experimental Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Slide Show on Health Risks related to Body Piercing and Tattooing Among Adolescents Aged Between 13-17 Years Studying in Selected School, Sriganganagar, Rajasthan

A Cross-Sectional Study to Analyse the Impact of OTT Platforms on Body Modification Choices and Cognizance of Associated Risks

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of Over-The-Top (OTT) users and the impact of OTT platforms on their body modification choices (hair colouring, body tattooing and body piercing). It was also aimed to analyse awareness about the medical risks or complications associated with these choices. An online survey was conducted for 3 months (November, 21 to January, 22) predominantly in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and minorly in other states of India. The variables considered in the study were demographics, choice of OTT platforms and time spent on them as viewers, characteristics of hair colouring, body tattoos and piercings, decision-making process before opting for such body modification choices, and knowledge or awareness about the risks associated with them. The Chi-square test was used for testing intergroup comparisons. A positive correlation was found between the time spent on OTT platforms and the level of anxiety or restlessness felt by respondents when they were not able to watch the content on such platforms. A positive correlation was also found between the time spent on OTT platforms and the inspiration taken by the respondents from them while deciding on their next look (r = 0.094). Based on the results obtained from the study, it was found that the prevalence of OTT platforms has gained immense popularity, and 83.6% of respondents were found to be OTT users. Interestingly, 89.6% and 75% of the respondents were aware of the health risks associated with body modification choices like hair colouring and body tattooing, respectively.

Knowledge and Awareness of Oral and Perioral Piercing and Its Complications Among the Population in Riyadh.

Background and objective Body piercing was a cultural custom associated with religious or ceremonial rites in antiquity. Currently, it has grown in popularity among teenagers and young people as a form of self-expression. Young adults are now frequently seen with body and oral piercings, which can cause several complications. Patients with intraoral piercing often present with poor dental and periodontal health, as well as various complications and side effects. The general public is often poorly informed about the risks they are exposed to after intraoral piercing and the strategies for minimizing them, and even healthcare professionals often have limited knowledge of the risks and complications that may arise after this procedure. To the best of our knowledge, no published data assessing the knowledge of oral and perioral piercing among the population living in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia are currently available. In light of this, we conducted this study to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of oral piercing and its complications among the population living in Riyadh city and evaluate the correlation of nationality, sex, age, and socioeconomic status (educational level, area of residence, and income) with the level of individual knowledge. Methods This was a cross-sectionalobservational study with a sample size of 1,099. A confidence interval (CI) of 95%, a standard deviation of 0.5, and a margin of error of 5% were employed to determine the sample size. A structured questionnaire was used as the study tool and was distributed in several residential areas in Riyadh, such as North, South, Middle, Eastern, and Western Riyadh City. The data collection was performed using simple random sampling via electronic questionnaires distributed to participants living in Riyadh. Results A total of 1,054 individuals completed the survey. Of these, 95.6% were Saudi nationals. Approximately 85.5% of the participants (n = 901) were women, 52.4% were aged 20-29 years (n = 552), and most participants (62.9%, n = 663) had a low monthly income (<5,000 Saudi Riyals); in terms of residence, the highest number of participants were from the northern region of Riyadh (37.1%, n = 391). Most participants had heard of or seen an oral or perioral piercing (89.1%, n = 939). However, very few of them had received an oral piercing themselves (10.7%, n = 113) or had afamily member with an oral piercing (18.7%, n = 197). Participants reported that the most commonly observed site for oral piercing was the lip (29.8%, n = 314), and teenagers were the most common age group with oral piercings (76.3%, n = 804). Regarding the adverse effects, most participants reported being awareof the negative consequences of oral piercingin the mouth (72.2%, n = 761). Sex and age were the only factors that showed a significant association with participants' level of knowledge. Women were significantly more knowledgeable and had higher scores (ß: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.69) than men (p<0.05). Additionally, participants aged 20-29 years had significantly higher knowledge scores (ß: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.63) than younger participants (p<0.05). Conclusions Based on our findings, participants' knowledge and awareness about oral piercing is adequate in general. However, thereshould be more efforts to educatethe people of Riyadh about the complications of these piercings as well as raise awareness about proper oral hygiene methods.

Transfusion Transmission of Syphilis and HIV from Earlobe Piercing in Tattoo Clinic – A Case Study from the Coal Capital of India

The practices of body piercing and tattoos have gained popularity, but, they also pose a risk of transmitting diseases. This article details a case of a young male individual who acquired HIV subsequent to undergoing earlobe piercing at a nearby tattoo parlour. A 28-year-old male, who was in good condition overall, received a diagnosis of HIV following testing positive for treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) after frontal palmar rashes. The diagnosis of syphilis and HIV was incongruous with his stated behaviour, and the stated reasons were not acknowledged by the counsellors. The patient was notified about our research emphasis in the Department of Community Medicine and requested our aid in identifying the underlying reason for his HIV and TPHA positive. The patient and his parents had a thorough history assessment, which eliminated all recognised potential modes of HIV transmission. After ruling out all other possible means of transmission, it was determined that the patient’s HIV and TPHA positivity may be attributed to the use of a tattoo gun for earlobe piercing to insert diamond studs at a local tattoo parlour. The widespread establishment of tattoo parlours throughout the nation presents a potential hazard to adolescents, who may acquire HIV without participating in activities associated with the high risk of transmission. Tattoo parlours must provide education to their clients, adhere to strict hygienic and sterile protocols and undergo government inspections to verify compliance with hygiene and sterilisation regulations.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus, Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Associated Risk Factors Among Individuals with Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Attending at Saint Peter's Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis are the causes of widely spread infectious disease, especially in resource-limited countries. The extent of HBV infection and its contributing factors among people with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) were not adequately addressed. To assess the prevalence of HBV, HIV & their associated risk factors and the magnitude of TB among individuals with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis attending at St. Peter's Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 individuals with presumptive PTB from October to December 2020. A standard questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and associated risk factors. Sputum samples were analyzed by GeneXpert, Florescent Microscopy and Ziehl-Nelson staining technique. HBsAg test was carried out using Murex Version 3 ELISA test kit from serum/Plasma samples,HIV testing was performed by rapid HIV test kits and data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The mean age of study participants was 44.2 years. Overall, 14 (3.6%), 28 (7.2%) and 37 (9.6%) of them were positive for HBV, HIV & TB, respectively. Only single patient was HBV-HIV co-infected (0.3%). The TB-HIV co-infection was identified in 6 (1.6%). In multivariate analysis, being partner separated, alcohol consumption, body piercing and having multiple sexual partners were significantly associated with HBV infection. Having a spouse, who is divorced, widowed, sharing scissors, alcohol consumption and contact with multiple sexual partners also significantly associated with HIV infection. This study showed that HBV, HIV and TB are still public health issues that need awareness and health education on the risky behaviors and transmission of HBV, HIV & TB among individuals with presumptive TB suspects. Further large-scale study is necessary.

Ear Piercing A 10 Year Review Of Related Complications In Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Background: Ear piercing is a form of body piercing in which puncturing is made to the part of the Pinna for the purpose of applying a jewelry. Objective: To review the complications associated with ear piercing practice in Kano, Nigeria. Methodology: All patients who were presented at the ENT and post-natal clinics of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, with ear piercing-related complications between 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2022, were included. The various complications following ear piercing were analysed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 138 patients had ear piercing-related complications. The mean age was 3.27±6.7 years, and (127) 92 % had their ear piercing within the first three weeks of life. All the patients had their ears pierced at the ear lobe. Local infections were the most common complication (74.64%), followed by keloids (13.8%), tears (10.1%), and allergic reactions (4.4%). Conclusion: Ear piercing is still a common practice, mostly among females. The high incidence of infection is attributable to the poor hygienic conditions under which it is performed

Behavioral Risk Factors of HBV Infection and its Association with HBs Ag Positivity among Residents of Kaza Sub- division of District Lahaul &amp; Spiti in Himachal Pradesh

Background: Chronic viral hepatitis is a major global public health problem, an important cause of morbidity and mortality. We conducted this study to evaluate the behavioral risk factors of HBV infection and its association with HBsAg positivity among residents of Kaza sub-division of district Lahaul &amp; Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. Material &amp; Methods: The study was carried out by the Gastroenterology, Community Medicine, and Microbiology Department at Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla at Kaza, a subdivision of Lahaul &amp; Spiti. The cluster sampling technique was used to get the desired sample size of 4000. Forty clusters were chosen using a probability proportionate to size sampling method, and 100 research participants were added to each cluster using a simple random sampling method. The data was gathered using a pre-tested interview plan. A blood sample of 5ml from each study participant was obtained, and its HBsAg content was examined. Results: In our study, 2.7% of the interviewed respondents’ parents were positive for hepatitis B and 3.7% reported one positive family member. Injectable drug use was reported by 1.6 (68/4231). Among these users 8.8% (6/68) shared needles with other IDUs in last 12 months and 35.3% (24/68) used a common container to draw up drug solution. Sexual intercourse was reported to be experienced by 15.5 (655/4231) and 12.2% either did not disclose or were children. Out of those who ever experienced sexual/penetrative intercourse 38.3% (251/655) had reported it with someone else other than a spouse. Majority of these had two partners other than a spouse (30.3%; 76/251). Around 30% (195/655) reported of using a condom in their last intercourse. Body piercings or a tattoo from someone who doesn’t sterilize his or her equipment, including local treatment from lamas, was prevalent among 16.3% of the population (689/4231). Acupuncture was taken as a remedy for any medical condition by 9% of participants. Regression analysis also revealed that one infected family member emerged as an independent factor associated with HBsAg positive test after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: Our study provided much important information concerning hepatitis B risk factors in this tribal group. Health education about behavioral risk factors among this tribal population should be the main intervention that might help limit the spread of these blood-borne infections.

Contact allergy to metals in metalworkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Occupational hand eczema is frequent in metalworkers. The contribution of metal allergies is poorly elucidated even though such exposures are common at the workplace. To estimate the prevalence of metal allergy to cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) in metalworkers and compare these to estimates from the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA). Two authors independently searched PubMed for studies reporting on the prevalence of metal allergy in metalworkers. Proportion meta-analyses were performed to calculate the pooled proportions of metal allergy in metalworkers. In total, 29 studies (22 from Europe) were included yielding 5691 subjects for quantitative analysis. The pooled proportion (95% confidence interval) of Co, Cr and Ni in European metalworkers with dermatitis referred to patch test clinics was 8.2% (5.3%-11.7%), 8.0% (5.1%-11.4%), and 11.0% (7.3%-15.4%), respectively. The corresponding estimates for unselected metalworkers from workplace studies were 4.9% (2.4%-8.1%), 5.2% (1.0%-12.6%), and 7.6% (3.8%-12.6%), respectively. In comparison, the prevalence of metal allergy in 13 382 consecutive European males with dermatitis was 3.9% (3.6%-4.2%), 4.4% (4.1%-4.8%) and 6.7% (6.3%-7.0%) for Co, Cr and Ni, respectively. Data on sex, age, body piercings and atopic dermatitis in metalworkers with metal allergy was mostly lacking. Metal allergy to all three metals was significantly more common in European metalworkers with dermatitis attending patch test clinics as compared to ESSCA data, indicating a relationship to occupational exposures, however, confounders could not be accounted for.

Iconic 21st Century Activist "T-Shirt and Tote-Bag" Combination Is Hard to Miss These Days!

Iconic 21st Century Activist "T-Shirt and Tote-Bag" Combination Is Hard to Miss These Days!