Nickel allergy: Difference between revisions

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'''Nickel allergy''' is a common cause of [[allergic contact dermatitis]] — an itchy rash that appears when your skin touches a usually harmless substance. Nickel allergy is often associated with earrings and other jewelry. But nickel can be found in many everyday items, such as coins, zippers, cellphones and eyeglass frames.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
== Causes ==
| name            = Nickel allergy
Nickel allergy is a [[skin reaction]] that occurs after exposure to products containing [[nickel]]. The allergy is a form of [[contact dermatitis]] where the skin becomes inflamed and itchy after coming into contact with the allergen.  
| image          = [[File:Blausen_0014_AllergicDermatitis.png|alt=Allergic contact dermatitis]]
 
| caption        = Allergic contact dermatitis due to nickel exposure
| field          = [[Allergy and immunology]]
| symptoms        = [[Itching]], [[rash]], [[redness]], [[swelling]]
| complications  = [[Chronic dermatitis]], [[infection]]
| onset          = After exposure to [[nickel]]
| duration        = Variable, can be chronic
| causes          = [[Nickel]] exposure
| risks          = [[Jewelry]], [[watches]], [[belt buckles]], [[coins]]
| diagnosis      = [[Patch test]]
| differential    = [[Irritant contact dermatitis]], [[atopic dermatitis]]
| prevention      = Avoidance of nickel-containing items
| treatment      = [[Topical corticosteroids]], [[antihistamines]]
| frequency      = Common, especially in women
}}
'''Nickel allergy''' is a common cause of [[allergic contact dermatitis]], an inflammatory skin condition that occurs when the skin comes into contact with nickel-containing items. This type of allergy is prevalent worldwide and can cause significant discomfort and skin irritation.
== Pathophysiology ==
Nickel allergy is an immune-mediated response. When nickel ions penetrate the skin, they bind to skin proteins, modifying them in a way that the immune system recognizes as foreign. This triggers a type IV hypersensitivity reaction, mediated by [[T cells]]. Upon re-exposure to nickel, these sensitized T cells release inflammatory cytokines, leading to the symptoms of dermatitis.
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of nickel allergy include:
The symptoms of nickel allergy typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to nickel. Common symptoms include:
* [[Rash]] or bumps on the skin
* Redness and rash
* [[Itching]], which may be severe
* Itching
* [[Redness]] or changes in skin color
* Swelling
* [[Dry patches]] of skin that may resemble a burn
* Dry patches of skin that may resemble a burn
* [[Blisters]] and draining fluid in severe cases
* Blisters and draining fluid in severe cases
 
== Common Sources of Nickel ==
Nickel is found in a variety of everyday items, including:
* Jewelry, especially earrings and body piercings
* Watches and watchbands
* Belt buckles
* Zippers and buttons
* Eyeglass frames
* Coins
* Mobile phones
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Nickel allergy is diagnosed through a [[patch test]], which involves applying small amounts of nickel and other allergens to the skin using patches. After a few days, the patches are removed and the skin is examined for signs of an allergic reaction.
Diagnosis of nickel allergy is primarily clinical, based on the history of exposure and the appearance of the rash. A [[patch test]] can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. In this test, small amounts of nickel are applied to the skin under an adhesive patch, and the skin is observed for a reaction.
 
== Management ==
== Treatment ==
Management of nickel allergy involves avoiding contact with nickel-containing items. Strategies include:
Treatment for nickel allergy primarily involves avoiding all sources of nickel. Over-the-counter treatments can help to manage symptoms, and in severe cases, prescription medication may be necessary.
* Choosing jewelry made of stainless steel, titanium, or other nickel-free materials
 
* Using plastic or coated metal items
== Prevention ==
* Applying barrier creams to protect the skin
Prevention of nickel allergy can be achieved by avoiding contact with items that contain nickel. This can include jewelry, clothing fasteners, and certain types of metal cookware.
* Using topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
 
== Prognosis ==
Nickel allergy is a chronic condition, and once sensitized, individuals will remain allergic for life. However, with proper management and avoidance of nickel, symptoms can be effectively controlled.
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Allergy]]
* [[Allergic contact dermatitis]]
* [[Contact dermatitis]]
* [[Hypersensitivity]]
* [[Patch test]]
* [[Patch test]]
 
{{Allergy}}
[[Category:Allergies]]
[[Category:Allergies]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]
[[Category:Immunology]]
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 06:04, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Nickel allergy
Allergic contact dermatitis
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Itching, rash, redness, swelling
Complications Chronic dermatitis, infection
Onset After exposure to nickel
Duration Variable, can be chronic
Types N/A
Causes Nickel exposure
Risks Jewelry, watches, belt buckles, coins
Diagnosis Patch test
Differential diagnosis Irritant contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis
Prevention Avoidance of nickel-containing items
Treatment Topical corticosteroids, antihistamines
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common, especially in women
Deaths N/A


Nickel allergy is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition that occurs when the skin comes into contact with nickel-containing items. This type of allergy is prevalent worldwide and can cause significant discomfort and skin irritation.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Nickel allergy is an immune-mediated response. When nickel ions penetrate the skin, they bind to skin proteins, modifying them in a way that the immune system recognizes as foreign. This triggers a type IV hypersensitivity reaction, mediated by T cells. Upon re-exposure to nickel, these sensitized T cells release inflammatory cytokines, leading to the symptoms of dermatitis.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of nickel allergy typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to nickel. Common symptoms include:

  • Redness and rash
  • Itching
  • Swelling
  • Dry patches of skin that may resemble a burn
  • Blisters and draining fluid in severe cases

Common Sources of Nickel[edit]

Nickel is found in a variety of everyday items, including:

  • Jewelry, especially earrings and body piercings
  • Watches and watchbands
  • Belt buckles
  • Zippers and buttons
  • Eyeglass frames
  • Coins
  • Mobile phones

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of nickel allergy is primarily clinical, based on the history of exposure and the appearance of the rash. A patch test can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. In this test, small amounts of nickel are applied to the skin under an adhesive patch, and the skin is observed for a reaction.

Management[edit]

Management of nickel allergy involves avoiding contact with nickel-containing items. Strategies include:

  • Choosing jewelry made of stainless steel, titanium, or other nickel-free materials
  • Using plastic or coated metal items
  • Applying barrier creams to protect the skin
  • Using topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation

Prognosis[edit]

Nickel allergy is a chronic condition, and once sensitized, individuals will remain allergic for life. However, with proper management and avoidance of nickel, symptoms can be effectively controlled.

See also[edit]



Allergies
Basics
Types
Conditions
Diagnosis
Treatments
This allergy-related article is a stub.
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