Do I Have A Nickel Allergy?

Do you have a skin irritation within 72 hours after exposure to nickel (e.g. your ears become irritated when you wear earrings or your necklace leaves a rash around your neck)?

Do you have rash or bumps on your skin?

Do you have red, inflamed skin?

Do you have itchy or burning skin?

Do you have dry patches of skin that may resemble a burn?

Do you have swelling of the skin?

Do you have dry, thickened or pigmented skin?

Do you have blisters on your skin that may break, leaving crusts and scales?

Do your symptoms only appear where your skin has come into contact with nickel (e.g. under a jean stud, zip or watch strap buckle, on your earlobes or around your neck)?

Does sweating make your symptoms worse?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a nickel allergy. Nickel allergy is one of the most common skin allergies. Nickel is a metal that is often found in jewelry, zippers, eyeglass frames and other everyday items. Nickel allergy is characterized by an itchy rash that occurs in places where nickel-containing items touch the skin. It affects about 10 percent of Americans. Anyone can get it, but it is most common in women under 18 years of age. Very often people find out that they are allergic to nickel after piercing their ears. Once developed, a nickel allergy often lasts a lifetime.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a nickel allergy. Nickel allergy is a common cause of contact allergic dermatitis. It develops when your immune system mistakenly recognizes nickel as a harmful substance and produces an allergic response. Nickel allergy can occur after your first or repeated exposure to this metal. Allergic dermatitis often appears on the earlobes due to wearing earrings, or on the wrist due to wearing a nickel-containing watch strap. In people who have an acute nickel allergy, the affected areas become red and itchy. A diagnosis is based on your skin's appearance and an allergy test.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a nickel allergy. Nickel allergy is an allergic reaction caused by skin contact with nickel. This type of allergy is known as contact allergic dermatitis. The symptoms usually appear at the site of contact with nickel within 72 hours after exposure. Nickel can be found in many everyday items such as jewelry, metal zips, bra hooks, studs, belt buckles, or mobile phones. Once you develop an allergy to nickel, your body will always be sensitive to it. Treatment involves avoiding nickel. Your doctor may recommend topical or oral steroids to reduce irritation.