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Metal Allergy pp 197–209Cite as

Metals in Coins

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Abstract

Coins in current circulation are made of diverse alloys, with copper-nickel constituting the most widely used alloy in coins worldwide. Coins have been reported to be a relevant source of exposure to nickel and copper and may result in exacerbation or elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis particularly to nickel in select clinical settings. Allergic contact dermatitis to coins is dependent on many variables, including local factors affecting nickel release (e.g., humidity, temperature, pH); duration, type, and frequency of exposure; skin barrier factors affecting individual susceptibility (e.g., xerosis, preexisting hand dermatitis); as well as baseline nickel allergy prevalence for the region. In this chapter, we review relevant methodologies and literature to date evaluating metal deposition on the skin and induction of allergic contact dermatitis. Patients who handle coins occupationally and consumers with nickel allergy appear to be at particular risk. Coins should not be overlooked as a potential source of allergen exposure.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Stanford University School of Medicine, Redwood City, CA, USA

    Kelsey E. Hirotsu

  2. Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Redwood City, CA, USA

    Jennifer K. Chen (Clinical Associate Professor)

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  1. Kelsey E. Hirotsu
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  2. Jennifer K. Chen
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Redwood City, CA, USA

    Jennifer K Chen

  2. Department of Dermatology and Allergy Herlev and Gentofte Hospital University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark

    Jacob P. Thyssen

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Hirotsu, K.E., Chen, J.K. (2018). Metals in Coins. In: Chen, J., Thyssen, J. (eds) Metal Allergy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58503-1_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58503-1_16

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-58503-1

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