Nickel allergy is a common reaction to minute amounts of nickel particles coming into direct contact with the skin and may include jewelry, watches, zippers, snaps and even eyeglasses. Approximately 10% of Americans have an allergy to nickel. Certain occupations result in habitual nickel exposure, which increases the risk of developing a nickel allergy. These include metal factory workers, hairdressers, tailors and restaurant workers.
Jewelry Not a Girl's Best Friend?
Because women tend to wear more jewelry, particularly costume jewelry which has a high nickel content, they are more commonly affected. Men rarely present with a nickel allergy unless developed through occupational exposure. A nickel allergy may arise at any age, and as with any form of allergy, the more often the exposure, the higher the risk for developing an allergy. As seen with other medical allergies, once a person is allergic, they are always allergic.
Eczema patients (or those with atopic dermatitis or other forms of chronic open skin rashes) are more prone to developing a nickel allergy as the nickel particles can gain better access to entering the bloodstream. Also, if nickel comes in contact with an open wound, this can act as a source of sensitization. Ear, nose and body piercings can ironically act as a major form of nickel sensitization. Use of stainless steel, medical plastic or medical titanium earrings are vital during the ear piercing process to reduce this risk.
Acting Rashly
Why does a rash form from exposure to nickel? Nickel sulfate is considered foreign by the immune system – much like the body would react to a germ. When one of these foreign substances comes into contact with the skin, the body reacts, causing a rash termed an "allergic contact dermatitis." There are many causes of allergic contact dermatitis but they share clinical similarities in the appearance of the rash. Inflammation leads to itching, redness, rough scaly areas, cracking and perhaps weeping or blistered skin.
Repeat insults result in repeat flare-ups. This explains why the earlobes for instance may only develop an itchy rash periodically when certain high-risk earrings are worn versus continuous daily problems with a wedding ring.
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What Are the Symptoms of a Nickel Allergy?
People with a nickel allergy usually begin to develop a skin reaction within 12 to 48 hours after coming into contact with an item containing nickel. The symptoms of a nickel allergy include:
Nickel is also one of the main causes of a skin rash known as allergic contact dermatitis. Someone with a nickel allergy will almost always have a localized response following exposure to objects containing nickel. This means that the allergic reaction only affects the part of the skin that comes into contact with nickel.
Eating foods containing small amounts of nickel may also trigger an immune response that causes changes in the skin.
Allergic contact dermatitis causes the following symptoms:
The rash usually lasts between two and four weeks after exposure.
In rare cases, a nickel allergy can also lead to respiratory problems, including:
People with this type of reaction should take preventive measures immediately.
for more on symptoms visit: http://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/nickel#Symptoms2
Here are some precautions to follow to avoid nickel.
For clothing, choose fasteners made of plastic, coated or painted metal, or some other material. A nickel allergy does not mean jewelry cannot be worn. One just has to be much more selective in choices -- make sure they are hypoallergenic, or made of stainless steel (although this contains nickel, it is so tightly bound that it cannot be leached out), solid gold (at least 12 carat), pure sterling silver, or polycarbonate plastic. However, if earrings must be worn that contain nickel, protect oneself with plastic covers made specifically for earring studs. Applying clear nail polish to earrings is another option of some use. Since perspiration dissolves nickel, some people have tried removing moisture by applying talcum powder to areas of the body in contact with nickel-containing items in the hopes of limiting the extent or degree of exposure. This is of little use.
for more on precautions visit: http://www.aocd.org/?page=NickelAllergy
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