Question- What percent of the general population suffers from nickel sensitivity?
Answer- The cited reference notes that “Nickel sensitivity is a form of delayed hypersensitivity that is found in 10–20% of the general population. The prevalence of nickel sensitivity is higher among young women than any other segment of the population, which is probably the result of higher rates of ear and other types of body piercing rather than increased susceptibility to sensitization. There is some evidence of a genetic susceptibility factor that may predispose certain individuals to the development of nickel sensitivity. A significant increase in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRw6 antigens were found among individuals with nickel contact dermatitis compared to individuals with no history of atopy or contact dermatitis. The relative risk of individuals with the HLA-DRw6 allele developing nickel sensitivity was estimated to be 3.3.” (https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp15.pdf; accessed March 2018)