Prevention of nickel release with barrier coatings.

Allergic contact dermatitis from nickel is very common in the United States. A barrier coating to be used on personal items such as snaps or watches would be of great use in preventing the consequences of nickel allergy. To evaluate various barrier coatings and their ability to yield a negative dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test result. Four different barrier coatings were assessed prior to soaking in saline, after soaking in saline for 2 days, and after soaking in saline for 7 days. Depending on the number of coatings and the time soaked in saline, the different barriers showed different efficacies in yielding a negative DMG test result. Nickel Guard and Beauty Secrets Hardener were most effective in yielding a negative DMG test result. Beauty Secrets Hardener was the more cost-effective choice.