Nickel allergies
Literature indicates nickel intolerance occurs in 17% of women and 5% of men. If nickel combines with cobalt, the risk of a reaction is as high as 30%. Allergies are so common that allergists and dermatologists have a special nickel spot test that can identify which object releases nickel.
The name nickel refers to Nickel, the mischievous leprechaun hated by miners. He was responsible for making it impossible to produce copper from what appeared to be copper ore. It was nickel. Nickel later became a very popular metal. Nickel is found almost everywhere in everyday life. It is found in jewellery, metal accessories, often eyeglass frames, zippers, buttons, but also in stainless steel jewellery, some surgical steel and, unfortunately, in older types of implants ranging from dental crowns to joint replacements. This causes allergic reactions to earrings and to gold and silver jewellery, to which nickel is also sometimes added.
Fortunately, nickel allergic reactions and symptoms of nickel sensitivity are usually limited to superficial non-infectious inflammation of the skin at the site of contact. But for people who have an implant in their body that releases nickel ions, it can cause a range of reactions. Patients experience a range of non-specific and escalating complaints that are unexplained by conventional tests. However, in the case of a suspected nickel allergy, they are well detectable by the so-called Melissa test.
Skin manifestations of nickel allergy
An allergic reaction to the metal occurs at the point of contact with the object. A skin rash caused by nickel develops. The skin turns red, itches, swells. Blistering, dry crusts and scabs may form.
Allergic reaction to nickel - Treatment
A supplement that irritates the skin must be stopped immediately. Otherwise, the problem will reappear after it is cured. Skin inflammation or skin rash caused by nickel is treated according to the symptoms. Only red and itchy skin should be soothed. Cold compresses, oatmeal decoction compresses or herbal yarrow compresses can help. A cream from the pharmacy can also be used. If the skin is already peeling, a compress should be applied and then lubricated with non-greasy moisturizing creams. If dyshidrotic symptoms appear in the form of fluid-filled blisters, drying compresses such as strongly diluted hypermanganese will help. If symptoms persist or worsen after a few days, a doctor should be seen to prescribe corticosteroid ointments. These work quickly and reliably and, with occasional use, do not cause side effects.
Dermaguard barrier cream will help prevent irritation when using products with nickel.
