BCSE Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

Nickel is commonly associated with allergic contact dermatitis due to its widespread use in various everyday items, such as jewelry, metal clothing fasteners, and even electronic devices. When individuals with a sensitivity to nickel come into direct contact with objects containing this metal, it can lead to localized skin reactions characterized by redness, itching, and irritation. This type of dermatitis is a result of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, where the immune system responds to the allergen upon subsequent exposures after the initial sensitization.

Other allergens listed, such as pet dander, pollen, and dust mites, are more often associated with atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis, which involve inhalant allergens leading to systemic reactions rather than localized contact dermatitis. Understanding this distinction is critical when evaluating different types of skin reactions and the underlying mechanisms of allergy.