What Are the Symptoms of Nickel Allergy?

Have you developed a sensitive skin reaction to any jewelry? This may be due to a nickel allergy. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of nickel allergy.

Nickel allergy is one of the contact allergies. An allergic reaction primarily occurs when the allergen, the stimulus that triggers the allergen, comes into contact with the skin. In the initial situation of nickel allergy, allergic contact eczema occurs. Doctors use this term to describe a range of skin reactions. These are rashes that develop with or without the formation of blisters, primarily in the process of skin rash, hives (urticaria) and itching.

Nickel Allergy Prevalence

Nickel allergies are among the most common allergies. Women are affected about 10 times more often than men. At least 10 percent of all women and 1 percent of all men are believed to be sensitive to nickel. Nickel allergy may develop when a person with an allergy comes into contact with jewelry containing nickel.

Nickel Allergy Causes

Nickel allergies usually develop on skin contact. In particular, jewelry, eyeglasses, coins, buttons and zippers contain nickel. The metal can also be found in many other products. These include, for example, food, tobacco smoke, batteries, paint and even plants and soil.

The symptoms of nickel allergy are caused by an excessive defensive response of the immune system. Although nickel is vital to the organism as a trace element, it is sometimes identified as a foreign substance by specialized immune cells. Then, as a defensive measure, messenger substances (especially histamines) are released that trigger an allergic reaction. Then eczema develops. In many allergies, little is known about which processes cause the immune system to give false alarms. In the case of nickel allergy, receptor 4 (TLR-4), which is thought to be a defective receptor in the immune system's defense cells, appears to be the cause.

Nickel Allergy Treatment

Anti-inflammatory agents such as salicylic acid, chlorhexidine or hydrocortisone are used in the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis. They are usually applied topically in the form of ointments, gels or lotions. Taking medication for allergic reactions can also help. Such antihistamines, for example; cetirizine, dimethindene or clemastine.

Taking Precautions

Nickel allergies cannot be cured. The only way to prevent this is to avoid contact with nickel. In the case of a strong nickel allergy, this also applies to contact with the smallest concentrations, such as those found in cigarette smoke or paints and other everyday products.