Do you have a nickel allergy? Let's talk about it!

Have you ever worn a new pair of earrings, or a beautiful necklace or bracelet, and then had that area turn red and itch? Or has the area where your jeans button or watch strap goes red and itchy? One reason for these things could be an allergy to a metal called nickel on your skin. Today we are talking about this nickel allergy .

What is Nickel Allergy?

Simply put, nickel allergy is a reaction that occurs when our skin comes into contact with the metal nickel. This falls into the category of allergic contact dermatitis . That is, when something that is normally harmless comes into contact with our skin, our skin reacts to it. Nickel allergy is the most common type of allergy to metals.

Skin rashes and eczema caused by a nickel allergy can be very itchy and sometimes painful. What happens is that symptoms do not appear immediately after nickel comes into contact with the skin. Symptoms may be delayed for several hours to up to three days (72 hours).

Nickel allergy can occur at any age. For some people, it appears at a young age, while for others it takes a while. Once you develop this allergy, it usually lasts a lifetime . But there is nothing to worry about, this condition can be well controlled by avoiding the use of products containing nickel and, if necessary, using medication as directed by a doctor.

What kinds of things contain nickel?

Nickel can be found in many things we don't even think about. Let's take a look at what they are.

Types of jewelry

Jewelry is often the main cause of nickel allergies.

• Bracelets
• Clasps for jewelry, earring backs
• Earrings
• Necklaces
• Rings
• Watchbands - especially metal bands

Imagine, you wear a piece of imitation jewellery with great enthusiasm. After a few days, the part turns red and starts to itch. Often, the reason for this is that the jewellery contains nickel.

The things we wear

Clothing can also contain nickel.

• Belt buckles
• Bra hooks
• Buttons, snaps on clothes
• Zippers
• Dental braces
• Eyeglasses

Everyday items

Nickel is also found in some of the things we use every day.

• Chalk
• Coins
• Some cooking equipment and eating utensils
• Keys
• Paper clips
• Razors
• Tech and accessories, like laptops, tablets, cell phones and batteries

Household appliances and other things

These items may also contain nickel:

• Bathroom fixtures
• Furniture
• Machinery
• Medical devices
• Metal tools
• Musical instruments

Is there nickel in food and drinks?

Surprisingly, some foods contain some nickel, but these only cause allergic reactions in the most sensitive people.

• Beans and legumes
• Chocolate and cocoa
• Some types of fruit: figs, raisins, raspberries (Fruits, including figs, prunes and raspberries)
• Grains: Brown rice, multigrain breads and cereals, oats, whole wheat
• Licorice
• Nuts
• Shellfish and seafood, including clams, crawfish, mussels and shrimp
• Soy products
• Tea
• Vegetables: Cabbage, kale, lettuce, leeks, peas and spinach

What are the symptoms of a nickel allergy?

Symptoms of a nickel allergy can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually appear between 12 and 72 hours after nickel comes into contact with the skin. For most people, the reaction occurs only on the area of ​​skin that came into contact with the nickel.

Common skin symptoms:

• The appearance of small blister-like bumps on the skin, sometimes resembling hives.
• Cracked skin
• Severe itching or burning sensations
• Patches of dry skin
• Skin rash
• Red or discolored skin

Severe symptoms affecting the whole body (Systemic nickel allergy syndrome)

Sometimes, symptoms that affect the whole body can occur after eating foods containing nickel or when a metal device (such as a surgical implant) is inserted into the body. This is called systemic nickel allergy syndrome .

• Blisters
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Swelling

Why does this nickel allergy occur?

Researchers don't know exactly what causes nickel allergy, but it seems to happen: Our immune system mistakenly identifies the metal nickel as "harmful" and starts to fight it. This is what causes an allergic reaction.

Sometimes, this allergy can occur the first time you come into contact with nickel. Other times, it can occur after you come into contact with nickel several times. However, if your body has an allergic reaction to nickel once, it is likely that this reaction will occur every time you come into contact with nickel .

How do you know if you have a nickel allergy?

If you suspect you have a nickel allergy, it's best to see a doctor. The doctor will ask you questions like:

• Details about your symptoms.
• Does anyone in your family have any allergies? (Family history of allergies).
• About other illnesses, allergies, autoimmune diseases, or skin conditions you have.
• The medications you use.
• About new foods or supplements you've started eating.

Based on this information, if the doctor suspects a nickel allergy, they will perform a patch test to confirm it. This is what happens:

1. The doctor will apply several small patches (like plasters) to the skin on your back, each with a small amount of a substance that can cause allergies, including nickel.

2. These patches will remain on the skin for about 48 hours. You cannot shower during this time.

3. After 48 hours, the doctor will remove the patches and examine them. If your skin reacts to a certain substance, that is, becomes red and itchy, it can be confirmed that you are allergic to that substance.

What are the treatments for nickel allergy?

In fact, there is no permanent cure for nickel allergy. The best thing to do is to avoid nickel-containing products as much as possible. However, this is not always possible. Therefore, your doctor may suggest treatments such as:

Medical treatment

• Corticosteroid creams: These help reduce inflammation and redness of the skin.
• Nonsteroidal creams: These are also used to reduce itching and inflammation.
• Oral antihistamines: These help reduce itching.
• Oral corticosteroids: If the allergic reaction is severe or has spread to a large area of ​​skin, your doctor may prescribe this medication for a short period of time.

If these medications don't control your symptoms, your doctor may suggest a treatment called phototherapy . This involves exposing your skin to ultraviolet (UV) light. However, it can take several months to see results from this treatment.

Treatments you can do at home

There are also things you can do at home to reduce the symptoms of a nickel allergy:

• Moisturizing creams or lotions: These are good for dry, cracked skin.
• Oatmeal Bath: This can help reduce itching. Crush some oatmeal, put it in a basin of lukewarm water, and soak for a while.
• Over-the-counter steroid creams can be purchased at the pharmacy without a prescription: However, if you are using them for more than a few days, it is best to consult a doctor.

Important: Do not try antibiotic creams at the pharmacy yourself. Sometimes they can make your symptoms worse.

How to prevent nickel allergy?

There are several things you can do to prevent a nickel allergy:

• Take a close look at the products you use. Check the label to see if it says "nickel-free" or "hypoallergenic."
• If you have a high sensitivity to nickel, avoid foods high in nickel.
• Choose jewelry that is nickel-free. Jewelry made from copper, platinum, sterling silver, surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, or 14-, 18-, or 24-karat yellow gold is best. White gold may contain nickel, so be aware of that as well.
• Choose nickel-free household items like kitchen utensils, keys, pots, and razors. Brass, silicone, stainless steel, and titanium are good options.
• Put protective covers on cell phones, laptops, and tablets.
• Choose watch straps made of fabric, leather, or plastic.
• Use plastic for things like waistband buckles, bra hooks, buttons, and zippers.

You can also take steps to prevent nickel allergy by talking to your provider:

• Before getting braces, ask your dentist if they contain nickel.
• Make sure that surgical instruments used for ear piercings and tattoos are made of stainless steel and are nickel-free.
• Before buying eyeglasses, check the frames for nickel. Choose frames made of plastic or titanium.

What should you be careful about if you have a nickel allergy?

Skin rashes and rashes caused by a nickel allergy can last for two to four weeks . Your skin is more likely to react to nickel if:

• If the skin is injured or has scratches (Broken)
• If the top layer of skin has been removed and new skin has come to the surface (Raw)
• If the skin is wet (Wet)

If left untreated, your skin may look like this:

• Cracks may occur.
• Skin color may become darker.
• The skin may become thick and leathery (Leathery)

When should you see a doctor for a nickel allergy?

If your symptoms do not improve with the treatments you are using, or if they get worse, see a doctor immediately. Also, if you have signs of a skin infection (cellulitis), see a doctor immediately. Watch for these symptoms:

• Fever
• If skin redness or discoloration increases
• Pain
• If there is pus around the rash
• If the rash spreads rapidly (Rapidly spreading rash)
• If you have a rash around your eyes

In summary, things to remember

Nickel allergy is a bit of a nuisance, but if managed properly, it shouldn't interfere with your normal life. We may not even realize how many things we use every day contain nickel. It can be a bit of a chore to figure out what items contain nickel and what you can use instead.

But over time, you will gain a better understanding of this. You will automatically know what to avoid and what to choose.

You can also make a list of things that contain nickel and keep it handy. There are also testing kits available that can check for nickel in some items.

If nickel comes into contact with your skin, do not scratch the area . Scratching can increase the risk of infection. Instead, wash the area thoroughly and apply a moisturizing cream.

Remember, your doctor is always there to help you. So, if you have any questions, be sure to seek medical advice.

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