Allergic response to stainless steel wire.

A review of the literature indicates that an allergic response to stainless steel is rare, although nickel is a common allergen and is encountered continually in daily life. An allergic reaction could occur at a most inopportune time. Rational approaches in management of an allergic response to stainless steel appear to be either: (1) wire removal and symptomatic therapy, (2) application of fixation with other substances, or (3) administration of steroids with necessary stainless steel immobilization left in place. The report suggests the need for research to determine the chromium content or chromium-nickel ratio that would eliminate allergic manifestations to the nickel component in wrought or cast base metal dental appliances.