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Nickel is a silver-colored metal found naturally in the environment. It is often mixed with other metals and used to make various items, including:
Small amounts of nickel are also found in many foods, including certain grains, fruits, and vegetables.
A nickel allergy is an adverse immune response that occurs when someone comes into contact with a product containing nickel. Normally, the immune system defends the body against harmful substances, such as viruses and bacteria, to ward off illnesses. In people with nickel allergies, the immune system mistakes nickel as a dangerous intruder. The immune system begins to produce chemicals to fight against the substance, triggering an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction to nickel is one of the most common causes of an itchy skin rash. It can also cause other changes in the skin, such as redness and blistering.
Nickel allergy is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. The allergy may develop at any age, but it is more common in women than men. Please discuss with your doctor for further information.
The common symptoms of nickel allergy are:
An allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) usually begins within hours to days after exposure to nickel. The reaction may last as long as two to four weeks. The reaction tends to occur only where your skin came into contact with nickel, but sometimes may appear in other places on your body.
There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.
If you have a skin rash and don’t know how you got it, talk to your doctor. If you’ve already been diagnosed with nickel allergy and are sure you’re reacting to nickel exposure, use the over-the-counter treatments and home remedies your doctor has previously recommended.
However, if these treatments don’t help, call your doctor. If you think the area may have become infected, see your doctor right away. Signs and symptoms that might indicate an infection include:
The immune system is responsible for promoting chemical changes in the body that help fight off harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. In people with allergies, the immune system mistakes a typically harmless substance as an intruder. The immune system begins to produce chemicals to ward off the substance. In people with a nickel allergy, the immune system is reacting to the object or food containing nickel. The reaction leads to various symptoms, including rashes and itching.
This adverse reaction may occur after the first exposure to nickel or after repeated and prolonged exposure. The exact cause of a nickel allergy isn’t known. However, researchers believe that the sensitivity to nickel may be genetic, or inherited from a relative.
There are many risk factors for nickel allergy, such as:
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.
Your doctor or dermatologist can diagnose a nickel allergy. Call them right away if you have a skin rash and don’t know what caused it. Your doctor will first ask you about your symptoms, including when they started and what appears to make them worse. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications, supplements, or new foods and products you’ve tried recently.
A patch test is often performed if a nickel allergy is suspected. During the patch test, your doctor will apply a small amount of nickel over a patch. The patch will then be placed on your skin. Patch tests are usually very safe and shouldn’t cause a major allergic reaction. They will only cause a minor response in people who are allergic to nickel.
Your doctor will observe your skin for about 48 hours after the patch test and check for signs of an allergic reaction. If the skin looks irritated, then you may be allergic to nickel. In some cases, the results aren’t clear and further testing is needed.
There’s no cure for a nickel allergy. As with other allergies, the best treatment is to avoid the allergen.
Your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications to help reduce the skin irritation caused by a nickel allergy:
Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when using these medications.
The following home treatments might also help:
Tell your doctor if treatments aren’t helping or if they’re making symptoms worse. You should also contact your doctor immediately if you experience increased redness, pain, or pus in the affected area. These symptoms may be a sign of infection and will need to be treated with antibiotics.
The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with nickel allergy:
If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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