Nickel Allergy.

Nickel is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis, which occurs when a person has an adverse reaction to a food or object containing nickel. Nickel is the fifth most abundant element on earth and widely used in industry and commercial goods. Nickel is one of the most common allergens in the United States, can be found in things like hand-held devices and jewelry. Anyone can become allergic to nickel but it’s more common in women than in men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 10 to 20 percent of the population is allergic to nickel. The reactions can be unpleasant, but not fatal. People who have been in contact with nickel for many years can become allergic to it for no reason, this can cause more problems if their work involves handling nickel.

When a person with a nickel allergy comes into contact with the metal, their immune system mistakenly believes that it is causing harm. The immune system produces a hormone called histamine in response to allergen or injury. This can cause to develop a rash and causing skin to itch as well as other symptoms. An allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) usually begins within hours to days after exposure to nickel. The reaction may last as long as 2 to 4 weeks. The reaction tends to occur only where your skin came into contact with nickel, but sometimes may appear in other places on your body.

The symptoms of nickel allergy can be mild, or severe enough to be disabling. They include red skin, itching or burning sensations, blisters, cracked skin, skin that feels warm and tender to the touch and, in severe cases, swelling and spread beyond the sites of initial contacts. A severe form of nickel allergy called systemic nickel allergy syndrome can also cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, inflammation of the nasal passages or an asthma attack.

Nickel is a common metal that is found in many metallic items, either electroplated or as an alloy and is used to make many things, including jewelry (especially earrings, silver and white gold), eyeglasses, clothing fasteners like snaps, zippers, and buttons), Coins, Keys, Metal tools, Utensils, stainless steel cooking equipment, instruments, Bathroom fixtures, Furniture parts, Batteries, Mobile phones, Laptop.

Some sensitive people may be affected by nickel-containing foods. Some foods that contain high amounts of nickel include soy products, peas, canned foods, chocolate, cocoa powder, nuts and, oats etc. A person with an allergy may have to carefully read labels or contact manufacturers to ensure that these types of items do not contain nickel.

People who work in certain industries involves frequent exposure to nickel are more likely to develop allergies to nickel. At particular risk are hair dressers, tailors, people who regularly handle cash. people who work with metals, nurses and other staff handling medical equipment. There is no cure for an allergy to nickel. The best way to prevent a reaction is to avoid the allergen. However, it's not always easy to avoid nickel because it exists in so many products in our daily life. Avoiding food that contains nickel and other nickel products can be a life-long challenge. Life of such people allergic to nickel is quite difficult to deal with itchy uncomfortable allergic skin reactions. They have to be very careful before doing anything. Cosmetic products (such as soaps, lotions, face and eye make-up, fragrances, etc.) can provoke allergic reactions in some people. It is also essential that people with nickel allergies inform their doctor before surgery.

The people allergic to nickel can adopt different preventive measures to avoid risks like, avoid jewelry that contains nickel. Look for safer substitutes for common nickel-containing items plastic fork and spoons. Watch bands made of leather or plastic. creating a barrier between skin and nickel may help by wearing gloves. Try covering door &tool handles with duct tape or nickel Guard. The protective cream HPS is the world`s first barrier cream that protects allergic skin from contact with nickel and such metals. The cream captures the metal ions on the skin’s surface and prevents them from penetrating the epidermis. Patch test is often used to diagnose dermatitis, or irritation and swelling of the skin.

If reactions to nickel are severe, see a doctor as soon as possible. Nickel allergy is not life-threatening. Severe symptoms may include pain or blisters that leak and they can indicate an infection that requires treatment. As there is no cure, avoiding its symptoms can be a life-long process.