Nickel allergy

Nickel Allergy

Nickel allergy (/ˈnɪkəl ˈælərdʒi/) is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis — an itchy rash that appears where your skin touches a usually harmless substance. Nickel allergy is often associated with earrings and other jewelry for body piercings.

Etymology

The term "Nickel allergy" is derived from the element Nickel and the Greek word "allergia" meaning "other work".

Symptoms

Nickel allergy is characterized by a number of symptoms, including:

• 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

Causes

Nickel allergy is commonly caused by exposure to items containing nickel. These can include:

• Jewelry made of nickel or gold, which often contains nickel
• Coins and keys
• Cellphones, tablets, and laptops
• Metal frames on glasses
• Stainless steel cooking equipment
• Clothing fasteners, such as zippers, snaps, and bra hooks

Diagnosis

A dermatologist can often diagnose nickel allergy based on skin's appearance, and by asking if you've touched anything metal. A dermatologist may also recommend a patch test. This test involves placing tiny amounts of nickel and other allergens on the skin to see if a reaction occurs.

Treatment

Treatment for nickel allergy primarily involves avoiding all sources of nickel. Over-the-counter treatments can help with the symptoms of nickel allergy. These include:

• Corticosteroid cream
• Nonsteroidal cream
• Oral antihistamines

In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a stronger corticosteroid cream or an oral corticosteroid, like prednisone.

Prevention

Preventing nickel allergy involves avoiding contact with items containing nickel. This can be achieved by:

• Wearing jewelry made of materials that don't contain nickel
• Using nickel-free utensils and cookware
• Covering nickel-containing items with a clear barrier, like paint or varnish

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Nickel allergy
• Wikipedia's article - Nickel allergy

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