Allergy to Cobalt

Cobalt is one of the most common metals that can cause contact allergy via a delayed hypersensitivity reaction.

About 2% of the general population is affected by cobalt allergy. It can develop at any age. Females are slightly more predominant (2:1) in this type of allergy. It is closely linked with atopic dermatitis.

Cobalt allergy can coexist with other metal allergies such as chromate and nickel.

Cobalt is commonly used as a binding agent in the manufacturing of "hard" metals with increased wear resistance, such as cutting tools. It is also found in various metal household items (keys, zippers, and cutlery), cosmetic products (blushers and eye shadow), leather, jewellery, hair dye, dental alloys, printing inks, and cement.

Cobalt allergy is mainly presented as a chronic or subacute allergic contact dermatitis at sites that experience direct contact; however, it can become more extensive. Cobalt blue is used in light blue tattoos and can lead to sarcoidal allergic reactions. Dust that contains cobalt may cause asthma in those who work with metal.

Allergic contact dermatitis triggered by cobalt is diagnosed via patch testing with 1% cobalt chloride hexahydrate.

Cobalt naphthenate, used in the plastic and polyester resin manufacturing industries, can also trigger the onset of allergic contact dermatitis; however, this may not be detected by the standard patch test that uses cobalt chloride.

Cobalt allergy is mainly treated by identifying and avoiding the source or sources of exposure. At the workplace, potential sources of exposure can be identified by using material safety data sheets. A commercial 2-nitroso-1-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid spot-test is used to detect the presence of cobalt in a metal object. A jewellery piece that contains cobalt has a dark silver appearance instead of a shiny one.

To minimise cobalt exposure, the wearing of vinyl or rubber gloves is recommended to avoid contact. At the workplace, personal protective equipment should be worn and no-touch techniques should be practised. Metal instruments including combs and kitchen utensils should have plastic or wooden handle grips.

Topical steroids and emollients are used for treating contact dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by cobalt will eventually resolve if contact with cobalt is eliminated.