Nickel allergy: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Blausen_0014_AllergicDermatitis.png| | | name = Nickel allergy | ||
| 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. | '''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 == | == 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. | 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 typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to nickel. Common symptoms include: | The symptoms of nickel allergy typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to nickel. Common symptoms include: | ||
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* 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 == | == Common Sources of Nickel == | ||
Nickel is found in a variety of everyday items, including: | Nickel is found in a variety of everyday items, including: | ||
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* Coins | * Coins | ||
* Mobile phones | * Mobile phones | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
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. | 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 == | == Management == | ||
Management of nickel allergy involves avoiding contact with nickel-containing items. Strategies include: | Management of nickel allergy involves avoiding contact with nickel-containing items. Strategies include: | ||
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* Applying barrier creams to protect the skin | * Applying barrier creams to protect the skin | ||
* Using topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation | * Using topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation | ||
== Prognosis == | == 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. | 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 == | |||
== | |||
* [[Allergic contact dermatitis]] | * [[Allergic contact dermatitis]] | ||
* [[Hypersensitivity]] | * [[Hypersensitivity]] | ||
* [[Patch test]] | * [[Patch test]] | ||
{{Allergy}} | {{Allergy}} | ||
[[Category:Allergies]] | [[Category:Allergies]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
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 | |
|---|---|
| |
| 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 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This allergy-related article is a stub.
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