Background:
Due to the sensitizing constituents of eye cosmetics, allergic contact dermatitis
is considered a frequent cause of eyelid dermatitis. An association between eyelid dermatitis and nickel
contained in make-ups remains controversial.
Objective:
The study aimed to assess the association between nickel allergy, the use of pigmented makeup
products and self-reported eyelid dermatitis.
Method:
This multi-centric, cross-sectional study enrolled 165 women sensitized to nickel (patients)
and 103 women without intolerance to metals (controls). We recorded: demographics, atopy, use of
pigmented eye cosmetics (mascara, eyeshadow, eyeliner, eyebrow pencil), and previous eyelid dermatitis.
Among the patients, any co-sensitization to cosmetics or metals was recorded.
Results:
87.3% of the patients and 91.3% of the controls reported their use of eye make-up; 44.9% and
52.4%, respectively, reported previous episodes of eyelid dermatitis, without significant differences.
The occurrence of eyelid dermatitis was significantly associated with the use of eye make-up products,
both in general and considering each product separately. Age, atopy, or co-sensitization to other metals
or cosmetics did not affect the occurrence of eyelid dermatitis.
Conclusion:
Nickel allergy should not be considered the main risk factor for eyelid dermatitis. The use
of pigmented eye make-up may be a triggering factor for eyelid dermatitis, probably due to an irritant
action.