Nickel allergy is the most usual cause of an allergic contact dermatitis; there is an uncomfortable rash that occurs when the skin gets in contact with an inoffensive substance. Nickel allergy can be caused by earrings and other jewelries, especially common with body piercings. It can also be found in coins, zippers, cell phones and also from eyeglasses frames. Nickel allergies develop after a repeated or a prolonged use of items containing nickel.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy67bKkfvIs” width=”220″]Symptoms
If a person is exposed to a nickel-containing item, the allergy begins within 12-48 hours after the exposure and will persist for two to four weeks. The allergies appear where the skin came into contact with nickel, but it can also appear in any parts of the body. Some signs and symptoms of the allergy include:
- Rashes or bumps found in the skin
- Severe itching
- A change in skin color or redness on the skin
- There are dry patches on the skin that looks like a burn
- In severe cases, there are blisters and drainage of fluid
If a person has nickel allergy, the body will also react to other metals like cobalt and palladium. Once the body has developed a reaction to nickel, the immune system will always be sensitive to it, and anytime a person come in contact with metals like nickel, the immune system responds and will initiate an allergic response. The sensitivity of the immune system to nickel develops after the initial exposure or a repeated exposure. You can be prepared to handle an allergic response with proper training. All you have to do is to register for first aid training today.
Treatment and home remedies for nickel allergy
- Using a soothing lotion like calamine lotion that can minimize itching.
- Moisturize the skin everyday by using petroleum jelly or mineral oil.
- Apply a wet compress to help dry blisters and relieve itching. Place the compress over the rash and leave it for 15 to 45 minutes. It can be done several times a day.
- Applying over-the-counter topical corticosteroid which will minimize itching and improve the rash. Apply hydrocortisone to the affected area before putting the wet compress for better penetration.
- There are some over-the-counter oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine but only relieves itching for a short time.
- Avoid using antibiotic creams that contains neomycin since it will only worsen the allergic reaction.
The best way in preventing nickel allergy is avoidance of prolonged exposure to items containing nickel, like jewelries. If a person has allergy for nickel, avoid contact with a metal.
- Wearing a hypoallergenic jewelry that are nickel-free stainless steel, surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, an 18-karat yellow gold and a nickel-free 14-karat yellow gold, platinum, copper and sterling silver.
- Choosing a piercing studio that provides a clean, organized and professional environment. They should use sterilized, nickel-free or surgical-grade stainless steel needles in airtight package. Additionally, do not use a piercing gun which may not be sterile or nickel-free and can cause complications like bacterial infections.