Cobalt is a metal that often occurs together with nickel. Individuals who have shown signs of cobalt allergy are usually allergic to nickel as well.
Cobalt allergy stems from the same sources as nickel allergy, that is shiny metals such as fake jewellery, buttons, watches and more.
Cobalt can also be found in:
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Colourants in porcelain ink
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Paints, colors and wet printer’s ink
And in various industries such as:
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Construction industry (wet cement)
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Metal industry (hard metal and used refrigeration lubricants)
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Electronics industry (magnets)
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Glass, ceramics and enamel industries
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Plastics industry (fiberglass products)
The list is not complete.
Cobalt may be an ingredient in the following products, but it is uncertain whether it may cause cobalt eczema:
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Eye shadow and hair dyes
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Tattoo ink (blue)
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Dental prostheses may contain cobalt alloys, which in rare cases poses a problem to cobalt sensitive individuals.
