Study, 1994
Does skin sensitivity to nickel change during your menstrual cycle?
No. Skin sensitivity to nickel did not increase before the period. However, repeated nickel testing itself made the skin more sensitive.
What they did
20 women with nickel allergies were tested with nickel patch tests on days 7-10 and days 20-24 of their cycle. Ten different concentrations of nickel were tested to find the lowest level that caused a skin reaction.
What they found
There was no difference in nickel sensitivity between days 7-10 and days 20-24. When patch tests were repeated weeks later, women showed increased sensitivity to nickel on the second test, suggesting the first test made their skin more reactive.
What it means for you
Nickel sensitivity does not appear to increase before the period in women with nickel allergies. However, the testing itself increased sensitivity to the allergen. The study is limited to 20 women.
20
Women with nickel allergies
About the study
- Original title
- Nickel patch test reactivity and the menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Rohold AE, Halkier-Sørensen L, Andersen KE et al.
- Journal
- Acta dermato-venereologica
- Year
- 1994
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 20
- What was tested
- Nickel patch tests at different menstrual cycle phases
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.2340/0001555574383385
Topics
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