Nickel Allergy

You may be surprised to hear that a nickel allergy is the leading form of allergic contact dermatitis. Chromium, copper, cobalt and other metals also cause metal allergies. These types of allergies occur when your skin displays a negative reaction to certain metals after direct contact.

A nickel allergy can not only occur when your skin comes in contact with nickel-based objects, but also when it comes in contact with foods with nickel content, such as beans, nuts, chocolates and grain products. In many cases, if you have a nickel allergy you'll experience mild to intense irritations at the point of contact with these items.

Although there is no known cause of an allergy to nickel, it is known that some people may first become sensitive to these kinds of metals after having their ears pierced. However, the skin generally does not react after its first exposure to nickel. When piercing any body part, make sure it's done with a stainless-steel needle. And just as important, make sure the first pair of studs or earrings are made of stainless steel or high quality 18-karat gold until the puncture has healed.

Dealing With A Nickel Allergy

The most effective way to minimize the effects of a nickel allergy is by avoiding direct contact with nickel-based products, both foods and metals. These can include jewelry, watches, belt buckles, zippers, bra hooks and other clothing fasteners, hairpins, eyeglass frames, pens, utensils, keys, tools, coins, and as mentioned above, food items such as legumes, salmon, chocolate mix drinks, chocolate candies, dried fruits, canned vegetables and fruits, green beans, cocoa, broccoli and peas.

Foods allowed on a low-nickel diet include: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, quark, butter, margarine, cereals, bread, flour, rice, pasta Small servings of wholemeal flour, wholegrain cereals, wheatbran and wheatgerm, vegetables (limited servings of cabbage, cauliflower, leeks , parsnips, potatoes, spinach), fruits, tea, coffee, soft drinks, cordials, beer, and wine.

A nickel allergy may cause severe irritations, making it difficult to perform daily tasks. For temporary relief from rashes and blisters, you can take antihistamine to alleviate the pain or apply moisturizing creams to soften dry skin and reduce itching. Corticosteroid creams can promote the healing of blisters and rashes, while a wet compress can relieve your skin irritations. Some additional treatments may include topical steroids, taken under the care of a dermatologist.