1. Eight women with strongly
positive patch-test reactions to nickel sulfate 2.5% in petrolatum
and a history of acquiring allergic contact dermatitis from the
wearing of earrings that had given a positive dimethylglyoxime
test for nickel were given Whispers earrings to wear.
2. These eight individuals wore
Whispers earrings for at least two months continuously. Five
wore them in the New York City area and three wore them in Florida
to ascertain whether perspiration or heat would have any deleterious
effect, such as leaching out any irritant or sensitizing chemicals.
3. None of these eight nickel-sensitive
individuals who had previously acquired dermatitis from other
types of earrings suffered any discomfort or dermatitis from
wearing Whispers earrings.