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Skin Disorders (Home) > Nickel Allergy In the medical community, nickel allergies are a common form of “allergic contact dermatitis.” This type of allergy occurs when skin has a negative reaction to specified substances following direct contact. Nickel allergies arise when the human body develops an allergic reaction to the presence of nickel in food or objects. In most documented cases, nickel allergies have caused high levels of irritation in the skin near the point of contact. What is Nickel? Nickel is a silver colored form of metal that is found in nature. Most people will encounter nickel through jewelry adornment. Some patients who suffer from this particular metal allergy have ingested nickel in food items. Minute traces of nickel are found in nuts, beans, chocolate, and grain products. Symptoms Nickel allergies are quite common. It affects human beings of any age or racial demographic. The only prerequisite is that those individuals must develop an allergic reaction to the presence of nickel. Individuals with nickel allergies will notice an allergic reaction within 6-24 hours of exposure to the metal substance. When the offending metal object is removed, symptoms of this allergy will decrease and eventually disappear. Signs of Irritation Skin that is affected by contact with nickel will develop a rash. This rash is uncomfortable, as the affected area may redden, swell and itch. The skin can also break or darken in color. The intensity of the reaction depends on the level of skin sensitivity. On the same body, different areas of skin may exhibit varying levels of irritation. In severe cases of nickel allergy, individuals have transferred the rash to other parts of the body outside of the site of contact. Nickel allergy outbreaks may also produce clusters of blisters. Diagnosis Nickel allergies are initially difficult to distinguish from other allergies. However, with persistent rashes of any kind, any affected individual is urged to seek the attention of a medical health professional. The patch test Dermatologists will diagnosis nickel allergies by conducting a “patch test.” Patch tests are conducted to eliminate other sources of skin irritation. In the patch test, a physician trained in the treatment and diagnosis of skin structures and skin disorders will apply small amounts of potentially irritating substances to small portions of surface skin. These allergens are adhered to the skin with hypoallergenic tape. Strips of irritants will be removed after 2-3 days. The offending substance may produce a rash that will indicate which substance has caused an allergic reaction. Eliminate the problem The easiest way to avoid an allergic reaction to nickel is to avoid nickel. Many people are allergic to nickel-based items. For this reason, most manufacturers print labels on items that indicate the presence, (or lack of), nickel in their product. Where nickel is found This metal substance is found in jewelry such as earrings, watches, necklace clasps and rings. As a metal, it is often mixed with other metals to produce an alloy. These alloys are then used to create steel. Nickel is also discovered in ordinary household items such as hairpins, eyeglass frames, paperclips and keys. Treatment All treatments can only take place after exposure to nickel. A dermatologist might recommend the usage of topical steroids. To ease discomfort caused by itchy, inflamed skin, patients may apply soothing water-based compresses. Patients may also use creams that ease itchiness or dry out blisters. Summary Nickel allergies can only erupt following direct contact with the skin. This common skin irritation may result in painful and uncomfortable skin rashes. Currently, there is no cure for this allergic reaction. Instead, individuals must avoid contact with items containing nickel.
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