Nickel allergy

An allergy to nickel is one of the main causes of allergic contact dermatitis. It is often linked to the use of earrings, jewelry for other piercings and watches, and other metal objects. It can also be triggered by contact with common items such as keys, coins and door handles, as nickel is widely present in many daily objects.

Description

An allergy is the exaggerated reaction of the immune system to a foreign substance, which in this case, is the metal nickel. An allergy to nickel can develop at any age and, while it is generally linked to the repeated or prolonged exposure to objects containing nickel, an allergy can sometimes occur after just one contact. Appropriate treatments can reduce symptoms, but once developed, the allergy is unlikely to disappear completely.

Causes

Like all allergies, nickel allergy is caused by an error of the immune system, which reacts to the presence of this harmless metal in an attempt to defend the body. Once the allergy has developed, the immune system will be activated every time the body comes into contact with nickel, triggering an allergic response. The cause behind this improper immune activation is not known, but the allergy can be at least partly attributed to genetic predisposition. Other objects that can trigger a nickel allergy include earrings, piercings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, zippers, belts, reading glasses, coins, keys, and cell phones. Some foods are also high in nickel and can provoke symptoms of intolerance.

Symptoms

The main symptom of nickel allergy is contact dermatitis, which is an itchy skin rash that appears when the skin comes into contact with an object containing the metal. Generally, dermatitis appears between 12 and 48 hours after exposure to nickel and can persist for up to two weeks. The rash may be limited to areas of the skin that came into direct contact with nickell, but may spread to other areas of the body. In addition to itching, the skin can become red, dry, crack, and be covered with small wet blisters that dry up, resembling a burn. In severe cases, exudative fluid may leak from the affected area.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a nickel allergy is made through a medical examination, which will analyze skin rashes and exposure to nickel. Suspicions can be confirmed with specific assessments, such as the patch test, where nickel cream is applied to the back, or the use test, where the skin is exposed to the object containing nickel.

Treatment

There is no definitive cure for eliminating a nickel allergy. However, the symptoms of contact dermatitis can be reduced with the use of topical products or oral medications. A doctor may prescribe:

• corticosteroid-based creams
• soothing creams
• oral corticosteroids

Prevention

To reduce the likelihood of developing a nickel allergy, it is best to avoid prolonged exposure to objects containing this metal, especially jewelry.
Particular attention should also be paid to the metallic buttons of jeans or the studs of belts and shoes.