Allergic reaction: How the immune system identifies nickel

(BfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) The metal nickel is one of the most common triggers of allergic contact dermatitis in humans. This skin inflammation results from a gradual immune reaction in allergic people, e.g. if the skin repeatedly comes into contact with nickel-containing jewellery, piercings or jeans buttons. BfR scientists have gained new insights into how the body's defences react to nickel. Their results have been published in the journal "Allergy".