Sensitization to metals may be the cause of contact eczema - occupational and non-occupational. Contact allergens which are still very much in the foreground are in particular nickel, chromium and cobalt. The source of sensitization to nickel is most frequently jewellery and nickel treated garments, and to a smaller extent sensitization occurs in conjunction with occupation (nickel-treated toolds, galvanization workshops etc). The frequency of sensitivity to nickel in the Czech Republic is in eczematous subjects 13%, in women the percentagee of sensitized subject is higher - around 17%. Chromium is the chief contact allergen in the male population. The source of sensitization is most frequently cement and chromium trated leather. Eczema caused by sensitization to chromium is as compared with nickel more frequently occupational. The rate of sensitization to chromium in the Czech Republic is about 5%. The source of sensitization to cobalt may be traces in cement, cobalt colours for glass and porcelain and others. Associated hypersensitivity to cobalt + nickel, cobalt + chromium or to all three metals is frequent. The rate of sensitization in the Czech Republic among eczematous subjects is ca 3%. Other metals cause contact sensitization only rarely.

        Key words: metals, epicutaneous tests, contact sensitization, occupational dermatoses, contact eczema