Nickel allergy

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.

Causes

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.

Symptoms

The symptoms of nickel allergy include:

• Rash or bumps on the skin
• Itching, which may be severe
• Redness or changes in skin color
• Dry patches of skin that may resemble a burn
• Blisters and draining fluid in severe cases

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.

Treatment

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.

Prevention

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.

See also

• Allergy
• Contact dermatitis
• Patch test

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