Survey of Precious METAL Allergy

Purpose: The present day very much contact dermatitis caused have been noted in dental and dermatological department. We are doing the metal patch test to the patient who suspects the metal allergy to the metal used for dentistry. The survey of the positive reactions to the precious metal for the past three years is reported.

Materials and Method: The research subjects consisted of 389 patients. The patch test materials were made up of 18 kinds of metal in frequent dental use. Each metal was used with a prescribed concentration diluted with distilled water or white petrolatum. Miniplaster made by the TORII chemical company was used for the patch test adhesive plaster and for the liquid test materials. The plasters were removed by the subjects themselves after 2 days and the results were obtained 2 hours later. Readings were made at intervals of 2, 3 and 7 days. The readings were standardized by using the ICDRG criteria.

Result: 167 persons showed sensitization, positive rate of 43%, after the patch test had been applied to the back of the 389 patients. 102 persons showed to a certain precious among positive persons.

Conclusion: Positive rates for precious metallic element were as follow: 19.5% for Pd and 7.7% for Au.