Nickel Allergy​

I.          Definition:
 
Nickel allergy is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to jewelry, but may also be produced by contact with such things as brassiere hooks, zippers, or the metal in eyeglass frames.
 
 
II.          Causes:
 

• Like other allergies, nickel allergy is acquired.  Ear piercing sometimes initiates nickel allergy.

 

• Nickel allergy may develop at any age.  Once you become allergic to nickel, you're likely to have the allergy for many years.

 

• Some persons are highly allergic to nickel and may get a rash from even brief contact with nickel-containing metals, while others break out only after a long period of skin contact with nickel.

 

• Nickel allergy is especially common in women.  It often prevents them from wearing jewelry.  All jewelry contains nickel; however, there's less nickel in 14- or 18-karat gold jewelry than in inexpensive costume jewelry.  Stainless steel, unless nickel-plated, will not cause an allergic reaction.

 
 
III.          Treatment:
 

• Nickel-allergy rashes usually clear up once contact with nickel-containing metal is stopped and a cortisone medicine is applied to the rash.

 

• Preventing nickel-contact rashes means avoiding skin contact with nickel-containing metals.  If you feel you must wear jewelry that has a nickel-content, compromise:  wear the jewelry for only short periods of time, applying a cortisone cream to your skin before putting your jewelry on.

 
 
 

• If your ears are pierced, you can obtain hypoallergenic earrings from companies such as H&A Enterprises, Inc., 143-19 25th Avenue, Whitestone, NY, 11357.  Write and ask for a catalog.

 

• There is no way to desensitize a person with nickel allergy with shots, pills, or any other method.  Nickel allergy stays on for years, although sometimes it gradually becomes less severe.