The only way to treat a nickel allergy is to avoid all items and foods containing nickel. People with a nickel allergy usually begin to develop a skin reaction 12 to 48 hours after coming into contact with an item containing nickel. The symptoms of a nickel allergy include:. Nickel is also one of the main causes of a skin rash known as allergic contact dermatitis.
Someone with a nickel allergy almost always has a localized response following exposure to objects containing nickel. This means that the allergic reaction only affects the part of the skin that comes into contact with nickel. Eating foods containing small amounts of nickel may also trigger an immune response that causes changes in the skin.
The immune system is responsible for promoting chemical changes in the body that help fight off harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. People with allergies have an immune system that mistakes a typically harmless substance for an intruder. The immune system begins to produce chemicals to ward off the substance.
The immune system of someone with a nickel allergy is reacting to the object or food containing nickel. That reaction leads to various symptoms, including rashes and itching. This adverse reaction may occur after the first exposure to nickel or after repeated and prolonged exposure. However, researchers believe that the sensitivity to nickel may be genetic, that is, inherited from a relative. Your doctor or dermatologist can diagnose a nickel allergy.
Your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms, including when they started and what appears to make them worse. A patch test is often performed if a nickel allergy is suspected. During the patch test, your doctor applies a small amount of nickel over a patch. If the hands become generally affected so that a rash covers them, this can be especially difficult to clear — this is a particular problem for those who do a lot of housework, and those whose jobs involve their hands being frequently wet.
But if your rash is in an unusual place or really bad, the cause may not be clear. Can an allergic rash become infected? Yes — if the skin becomes moist then it can become infected with bacteria.
The same is true if the skin becomes broken and raw, perhaps because of scratching — the hands are especially likely to become infected. If the skin becomes crusted and yellow, weeps, or smells odd, then it is probably infected, and you should see your doctor to get treatment — the rash will not improve until you do so.
What things contain nickel? Some every day items which contain nickel are: coins, jewellery, metal ornaments, scissors, pins, needles, thimble, press studs, zips, paperclips, metal wool scouring pads, cigarette lighters, filing cabinets, pens, metal typewriters, handles, taps, keys, keyrings, saucepans stainless steel kitchen utensils, cutlery.
But luckily, most nickel-sensitive people find a rash only comes up if they are in contact with nickel for a long time or when their skin is wet or sweaty. Which parts of the body are most often affected? Any part of the body can develop a rash if something made from nickel comes into close contact with the skin. Common places to be affected are given below. Will I always be allergic to nickel? Once you become sensitive to nickel you are likely to remain so for life.
But not everything containing nickel will necessarily bring out a rash every time. If your skin is raw or broken, nickel can easily pass through the surface, and you are more likely to get a rash — the same is true if your skin is damaged by being wet a lot.
If something containing nickel is pressed very close to your skin, or rubbed against it, you are also more likely to develop a rash — metal studs often found on the tops of jeans and canvas trousers are more likely to cause a reddened patch if the trousers are tight fitting.
Some women find they are more sensitive to nickel on certain days of their menstrual cycle, but this is not always the case. If you are allergic to nickel you are unlikely to be allergic to gold too. Unfortunately, most jewellery is made of 9-carat gold, so be careful. Gold-plated jewellery and rolled gold should not be worn either. Gold plating is usually thin and wears off quickly, and nickel then comes to the surface.
Foreign gold is made up of a different mixture of metals and so this type of gold should also be avoided. White gold can also contain nickel. Can I stop my child becoming allergic to nickel?
But, ear piercing often starts off a nickel allergy, so if anyone decides to have their ears pierced, make sure the studs that are put in as the ears are pierced are either sterling silver, carat gold or good quality stainless steel. Here are some alternatives to replace silver jewelry:.
At Walk-in Dermatology, our team of highly experienced medical professionals and board-certified dermatologists will diagnose and treat your skin allergies.
Our doctors specialize in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, so we can help your skin to look and feel its best. Book an appointment with us. Powered by Contextual Related Posts. Walk-in Dermatology Management, LLC shall, in no way, determine or set the methods, standards, or conduct of the practice of medicine or healthcare provided at, by, or through any medical center, or by any of its professionals.
Patient Delight! Book Appointment. Video Visits Now Available. Office Information. Address 50 Glen Cove Rd. Greenvale, NY What is a Nickel Allergy? Signs of an Allergic Reaction A nickel allergy often occurs after prolonged exposure and only in the area of the skin the nickel came into contact with. Common signs of an allergic reaction include: Rashes Hives Swelling Itching or irritation Redness Tenderness Bumps Dry patches that resemble a burn Blisters and draining fluid Bluish-green discoloration How to Test for a Nickel Allergy To learn whether you have nickel allergy, you should visit your dermatologist.
Tips for Avoiding Allergic Reactions The simplest way to avoid a nickel allergy is to remove the item that causes the reaction. Find substitute materials: Instead of silver jewelry pieces, you can invest in more expensive metals such as sterling silver or titanium to avoid these allergic reactions. Other ordinary items such as watchbands, buckles, and clothing fasteners can be replaced by plastic or fabric counterparts as well.
Add barriers to the items: With silver jewelry, you can add several coats of clear nail polish to create a barrier between the metal and your skin. You can also use alternative, nickel-free jewelry such as titanium, platinum, sterling silver and 18K gold.
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