A 25 years-old man with fracture of the talus treated by osteosynthesis with 2stainless steel screws containing 12-14% nickel developed a chronic pruriginous dermatitis fourmonths after surgery. The cutaneous lesion was located at the lateral aspect of the ankle, justover area of osteosynthesis. Conventional treatment using steroid drugs failed. At the 48 and96 hour lecture, epicutaneous patch test performed according criteria given by the SpanishGroup for Contact Dermatitis Research were positive (+ +) against 2,5% nickel sulphate and1% chlorure of cobalt. Since steroid and antihistaminic drugs were ineffective after 1 monthtreatment, the screws were removed. Two weeks later the pruritus droped out and the cutaneouslesion was completely healed.

A 25 years-old man with fracture of the talus treated by osteosynthesis with 2stainless steel screws containing 12-14% nickel developed a chronic pruriginous dermatitis fourmonths after surgery. The cutaneous lesion was located at the lateral aspect of the ankle, justover area of osteosynthesis. Conventional treatment using steroid drugs failed. At the 48 and96 hour lecture, epicutaneous patch test performed according criteria given by the SpanishGroup for Contact Dermatitis Research were positive (+ +) against 2,5% nickel sulphate and1% chlorure of cobalt. Since steroid and antihistaminic drugs were ineffective after 1 monthtreatment, the screws were removed. Two weeks later the pruritus droped out and the cutaneouslesion was completely healed.