Nickel allergy: triggers, symptoms and what helps

A nickel allergy is often caused by nickel-containing costume jewelry and can be very uncomfortable. In this article you will learn what are the triggers and symptoms of a nickel allergy and what provides relief.

Triggers a nickel allergy

Nickel allergy is one of the most common contact allergies. Your immune system reacts to this Nickel ionscontained in objects containing nickel. These detach from the metal when they hit the slightly acid sweat of your skin.

Nickel is found in numerous metal alloys and can be found in the following everyday items, among others:

• Jewelry (e.g. chains, piercings, rings)
• Eyeglass frames
• Coins
• Buttons and other closures on clothing
• Wristwatches

Already knew? In addition to the items mentioned, some foods also contain nickel. Potatoes, cereals and some types of fruit absorb the metal through the earth and can also cause nickel allergy.

Symptoms of nickel allergy

Nickel allergy is not an immediate allergy like allergies to flying pollen. According to the European Center for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF) the symptoms of a nickel allergy are often not noticeable until one to three days after contact. As a rule, small nodules and blisters form on the affected skin areas. In addition to this contact eczema, there are often other skin reactions:

• stronger itching and burning skin
• Redness of the skin
• Swelling of the affected skin
• weeping wheals
• Dandruff formation

If your skin comes into contact with objects containing nickel frequently or over a long period of time, according to the ECARF, chronic contact eczema can develop. The skin flakes and the affected skin becomes thickened.

Help with a nickel allergy

If you think you have a nickel allergy, you should get dermatological advice. There you can use a simple skin test to check whether your skin is actually sensitive to nickel. You will then be given advice on how to best treat the symptoms. Nickel allergy is not curable, but there are a few things you can do to alleviate your symptoms:

• Avoid contact with nickel: Separate yourself from jewelry that triggered your skin reactions. Only wear jewelry that is designated as nickel-free.
• Skincare: If you are sensitive and dry skin this can make the symptoms of nickel allergy worse. Moisturizing and moisturizing creams can help rebuild the damaged skin cells. The best thing to do is get medical advice. You may be prescribed an ointment with cortisone, which is your body’s defense reaction Inhibits skin. According to the health portal Netdoctor However, you should only use cortisone-containing products on the affected skin areas and only for a short time to avoid side effects.
• Low-nickel diet: Is nickel contained in numerous foods. These include, for example: nuts, legumes, potatoes, whole grain cereals, cauliflower, mushrooms, chocolate. A nickel diet can improve your symptoms in the long term.
• Stop smoking: According to Netdoktor, tobacco smoke also contains large amounts of nickel.

Read more on Techzle.com:

• Skin types: How to determine and care for your type
• Allergy to chlorine: causes, symptoms and what you can do
• What you should consider when buying jewelry