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Nickel allergy is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, which is an itchy rash that arises when your skin comes into contact with a normally harmless chemical.
Earrings and other jewelry are frequently related with nickel allergy. However, nickel can be found in a variety of common objects, including coins, zippers, eyeglass frames, cosmetics, detergents, and even some electronics, such as telephones and laptop computers.
Nickel allergies can develop after repeated or extended contact to nickel-containing goods. Treatments are available to alleviate the symptoms of nickel allergy. However, once you have a nickel allergy, you will always be sensitive to the metal and must avoid contact.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NICKEL ALLERGY?
An allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) usually occurs within hours to days of nickel exposure. The reaction could continue 2 to 4 weeks. The reaction usually appears only where your skin has come into touch with nickel, although it can also emerge elsewhere on your body.
Nickel allergy symptoms and indications include:
- Skin rashes and bumps
- Itching that can be severe
- Skin redness or color changes
- Dry skin areas that resemble burns
- In severe cases, blisters and draining fluid are seen.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF NICKEL ALLERGY?
It is uncertain what causes nickel allergy. Nickel allergy, like other allergies, develops when your immune system perceives nickel as hazardous rather than innocuous. Normally, your immune system only responds to protect your body from germs, viruses, and toxins.
Your immune system will always be sensitive to a specific agent (allergen) once it has acquired a sensitivity to it — in this case, nickel. That implies that if you come into contact with nickel, your immune system will react and cause an allergic reaction.
Nickel sensitivity in your immune system may develop after your initial exposure or after repeated or chronic exposure.
Nickel exposure sources
Nickel is commonly found in the following items:
- Body piercing jewelry
- Rings, bracelets, necklaces, and jewelry clasps are examples of additional jewelry.
- Spectacle frames
- Military "dog-tag" identification
- Chalk
- Coins
- Metal instruments
- Cellphones
- Keys
- Watchbands
- Zippers, snaps, and bra hooks are examples of clothing fasteners.
- Belt fasteners
- Medical equipment
- Laptops and tablet computers
- E-cigarettes
Nickel-containing foods may cause allergic reactions in certain persons. Soy products, peas, canned foods, cocoa powder, clams, and cashews are examples of foods high in nickel.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR NICKEL ALLERGY?
The following variables may enhance your chances of getting nickel allergy:
Having piercings in your ears or on your body: Because nickel is commonly used in jewelry, nickel allergy is most commonly connected with nickel earrings and other body-piercing jewelry.
Working with metal: If you work in an occupation that exposes you to nickel on a regular basis, your chances of developing an allergy are higher than for someone who does not deal with the metal.
Being female: Females are more prone than males to be allergic to nickel. This could be because females have more piercings. According to a recent study, overweight women appear to be at an even higher risk of nickel allergy.
A family history of nickel allergy: If other members of your family are allergic to nickel, you may have inherited a proclivity to develop a nickel allergy.
Allergies to other metals: Individuals who are allergic to other metals may also be allergic to nickel.
HOW IS NICKEL ALLERGY DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor can usually diagnose nickel allergy based on the appearance of your skin and recent exposure to nickel-containing objects.
If the reason of your rash is unknown, your doctor may offer a patch test (contact hypersensitivity allergy test). For this test, he or she may refer you to an allergy expert (allergist) or a dermatologist (dermatologist).
Patch testing
A patch test involves applying extremely minute amounts of possible allergens (including nickel) to your skin and covering it with small patches. The patches remain on your skin for two days before being removed by the doctor. If you have a nickel allergy, the skin beneath the nickel patch will become inflamed when the patch is removed or in the days after removal.
Patch tests are safe even for persons with severe allergies due to the low allergen concentrations employed.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR NICKEL ALLERGY?
Avoiding contact with the metal is the first step in treating nickel allergy. Nickel allergy has no known remedy. If you are allergic to nickel, you will develop a rash (contact dermatitis) whenever you come into touch with it.
Medications
To relieve irritation and improve the condition of a rash caused by a nickel allergy reaction, your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications:
- Clobetasol (Clobex, Cormax, and others) and betamethasone dipropionate creams (Diprolene). These can cause skin thinning if used over an extended period of time.
- Tacrolimus and other nonsteroidal creams (Protopic). Temporary stinging at the application location is the most prevalent side effect.
- If the reaction is severe or the rash is widespread, an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone, may be prescribed. Weight gain, mood fluctuations, and elevated blood pressure are all possible side effects of these medications.
- Antihistamines taken orally to relieve itching. However, these may be ineffective for treating skin itching.
Phototherapy
This treatment involves the application of controlled doses of artificial UV radiation to your skin. It is often reserved for patients who have not improved with topical or oral steroids. Phototherapy can take months to have an effect on a nickel allergy reaction.
HOME REMEDIES FOR NICKEL ALLERGY
To cure contact dermatitis caused by nickel allergy, you might try any of the home remedies listed below. If none of these treatments work or if the rash worsens, see your doctor. The following are examples of home remedies:
- Use calming treatments, such as calamine lotion, to relieve itching.
- Regularly moisturize. When you respond to nickel and other allergies, your skin's natural barrier is compromised. Using emollient creams or lotions, such as petroleum jelly or mineral oil, may help you avoid using topical corticosteroids.
- Use wet compresses to help dry blisters and alleviate itching. Soak a clean towel in running water or Burow's solution, an over-the-counter medicine that contains aluminum acetate.
Avoid using over-the-counter ointments, such as antibiotic creams, because they may include chemicals, notably neomycin, that might aggravate an allergic reaction.
HOW CAN NICKEL ALLERGY BE PREVENTED?
The best way to avoid acquiring a nickel allergy is to avoid extended exposure to nickel-containing objects. If you are allergic to nickel, the best method to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid contact with the metal.
However, because nickel is present in so many products, it is not always easy to avoid it. To check for nickel in metal goods, home test kits are available.
The following suggestions may assist you in avoiding nickel exposure:
Put on hypoallergenic jewelry
Avoid wearing nickel-plated jewelry. Buy jewelry made of materials that are unlikely to induce allergic responses. Look for jewelry made of nickel-free stainless steel, surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, 18-karat yellow gold, nickel-free yellow gold, or sterling silver.
Although surgical-grade stainless steel may include nickel, it is generally considered hypoallergenic for the majority of people. Make certain that your earring backings are also hypoallergenic.
Choose a piercing studio with caution
Check that the studio uses sterile, nickel-free or surgical-grade stainless steel needles in sealed containers before receiving a piercing. If the studio use a piercing gun, ensure that the component that comes into contact with the person being pierced is not used on other customers. Check sure the studio only sells hypoallergenic jewelry and that the metal content of the products for sale is documented.
Make use of substitute materials
Look for safer alternatives to common nickel-containing items, such as:
- Leather, cotton, or plastic watchbands
- Plastic or coated metal zippers or clothing fasteners
- Eyeglass frames made of plastic or titanium
Make a barrier
If you must be exposed to nickel at work, constructing a barrier between you and the nickel may be beneficial. If your hands must come into contact with nickel, donning gloves may be beneficial.
Use duct tape or a clear barrier, such as Nickel Guard, to cover buttons, snaps, zippers, or tool handles. Clear nail paint on jewelry can assist, although it may need to be reapplied frequently.