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Nickel Allergy
What is nickel?
Nickel is a very versatile metal, and is found throughout our natural environment. Common industrial uses for nickel include the mining, milling, smelting, and refining of metal ores, the production of stainless steel and nickel alloys, metal welding and cutting, nickel plating, chemical manufacturing, and the production of batteries, coinage, pigments, and powders.
Where is nickel found?
Nickel is found in jewelry, metal tools and equipment, and metal-plated objects. Nickel may be found in metal clothing fasteners (buttons, zippers, snaps, hooks, rivets, buckles, etc.), in metal utensils such as scissors and keys, and in costume jewelry and watchbands, just to name a few examples. Nickel may be present in some white gold, 14-carat yellow gold, chrome, bronze, and brass.
Nickel is also used to make or coat coins including nickels, dimes, quarters, half-dollars and dollars, as well as the Euro 1 and 2 coins. Fortunately, because coins are handled only intermittently, they are not a common source. However, for individuals with a regular occupational exposure to coins, this may be a relevant source of nickel.
In industrial applications, nickel is found throughout metal manufacturing, including recycled machining oils used for grinding and cutting. Nickel forms 20% of stainless steel, but it is very tightly bound and not likely to reach the skin. As a result, allergic reactions to stainless steel products are rare. Nickel alloys are used in dental appliances and have been reported to cause allergic reactions, but this is not common.
Nickel can even be found in some foods such as chocolate, nuts, dried beans, peas, and certain grains. While a single food may not contain enough nickel to cause a reaction, allergic individuals may benefit by limiting their daily consumption of high-nickel foods. Low-nickel diets have been reported to reduce symptoms in some nickel-allergic individuals.
Other items that may occasionally contain nickel include some eye cosmetics. In addition, some hair dyes can become contaminated with nickel from nickel-plated utensils.
Nickel is also used to make or coat coins including nickels, dimes, quarters, half-dollars and dollars, as well as the Euro 1 and 2 coins. Fortunately, because coins are handled only intermittently, they are not a common source. However, for individuals with a regular occupational exposure to coins, this may be a relevant source of nickel.
In industrial applications, nickel is found throughout metal manufacturing, including recycled machining oils used for grinding and cutting. Nickel forms 20% of stainless steel, but it is very tightly bound and not likely to reach the skin. As a result, allergic reactions to stainless steel products are rare. Nickel alloys are used in dental appliances and have been reported to cause allergic reactions, but this is not common.
Nickel can even be found in some foods such as chocolate, nuts, dried beans, peas, and certain grains. While a single food may not contain enough nickel to cause a reaction, allergic individuals may benefit by limiting their daily consumption of high-nickel foods. Low-nickel diets have been reported to reduce symptoms in some nickel-allergic individuals.
Other items that may occasionally contain nickel include some eye cosmetics. In addition, some hair dyes can become contaminated with nickel from nickel-plated utensils.
What are the symptoms of a nickel contact allergy?
The most common symptom is red inflamed skin where the nickel contacts the skin. This reaction is called dermatitis (also known as eczema) and can cause itching. The skin may also have small, solid, raised pimple-like eruptions called papules. Individuals with a nickel contact allergy may also have symptoms outside the apparent contact area, although this is less common. Some individuals may not recognize the symptoms of a nickel allergy, if the symptoms are mild, infrequent, or have been attributed to other factors.
How can I avoid developing a nickel contact allergy?
Nickel contact allergy seems to occur more frequently in women, probably due to body piercing, the wearing of jewelry and clothing with metal ornamentation. Men employed in metal processing and manufacturing occupations are more likely to develop a nickel contact allergy. Reducing your contact to sources of nickel can lower your chances of developing this allergy.
Nickel contact allergy is not inherited. However, a family or personal history of other allergies can indicate that you are more likely to have allergies, including reactions to nickel. Take care to maintain the health of your skin, and avoid exposing broken skin (rashes, piercing) to nickel.
Nickel contact allergy is not inherited. However, a family or personal history of other allergies can indicate that you are more likely to have allergies, including reactions to nickel. Take care to maintain the health of your skin, and avoid exposing broken skin (rashes, piercing) to nickel.
What should I do if I suspect I have a nickel contact allergy?
See your doctor for an evaluation. To help your doctor diagnose the problem, keep a "diary" of when your symptoms appear and disappear. Describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible, including where they occur - your fingers, hands, or elsewhere. Try also to remember what activities you were doing and any metal products you have been using.
You doctor should take a detailed medical and occupational history. Depending on your symptoms and history, your doctor may perform patch testing to accurately diagnose a nickel allergy. For more information about nickel allergy and patch testing, visit www.truetest.com
If you are diagnosed with a nickel contact allergy, you must avoid objects that contain nickel. Metal objects with nickel can be identified with Allertest Ni, a nickel detection kit. You should also be aware of other substances that may contain or sequester nickel such as certain foods, dyes and some cosmetics.
You doctor should take a detailed medical and occupational history. Depending on your symptoms and history, your doctor may perform patch testing to accurately diagnose a nickel allergy. For more information about nickel allergy and patch testing, visit www.truetest.com
If you are diagnosed with a nickel contact allergy, you must avoid objects that contain nickel. Metal objects with nickel can be identified with Allertest Ni, a nickel detection kit. You should also be aware of other substances that may contain or sequester nickel such as certain foods, dyes and some cosmetics.
These general guidelines are intended for educational purposes only and should not replace the care of a physician. Please consult your physician for specific questions and care.