What metals are nickel allergy safe?
Look for jewelry made from such metals as nickel-free stainless steel, surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, 18-karat yellow gold, or nickel-free yellow gold and sterling silver. Surgical-grade stainless steel may contain some nickel, but it’s generally considered hypoallergenic for most people.
What is the most common metal allergy?
Nickel is one of the most frequent allergens, causing significant local contact dermatitis (skin reddening and itching). Cobalt, copper, and chromium are also common culprits.
What are the symptoms of a metal allergy?
The result: redness, itching, swelling or a rash, with skin blistering or scaling at the site. The symptoms of metal allergy range from mild to severe. Each time you’re re-exposed to the offending metal, your skin reacts in the same way.
What metals can cause allergic reaction?
Metals such as nickel, cobalt, chromium, and zinc are ubiquitous in our environment. Metal allergy may result in allergic contact dermatitis and also SCD. Systemic reactions, such as hand dermatitis or generalized eczematous reactions, can occur due to dietary nickel or cobalt ingestion.
How do you test for metal allergy?
Patch skin testing is a method of placing small amounts of different substances on the skin for 2 days, and examining the skin for a reaction for several days after. A positive reaction is red, raised, and often itchy.
Can a nickel allergy go away?
There’s no cure for nickel allergy. Once you develop a sensitivity to nickel, you’ll develop a rash (contact dermatitis) whenever you come into contact with the metal.
What happens if you are allergic to nickel?
An allergic reaction to nickel is one of the most common causes of an itchy skin rash. It can also cause other changes in the skin, such as redness and blistering. Nickel allergies are increasing in the United States and can develop at any age. They’re more common in women and girls than men and boys.
What are the symptoms of a nickel allergy?
Nickel allergy signs and symptoms include: Rash or bumps on the skin. Itching, which may be severe. Redness or changes in skin color. Dry patches of skin that may resemble a burn. Blisters and draining fluid in severe cases.
How can you treat a nickel allergy?
Nickel Allergy Treatment. There is no permanent cure for nickel allergy; symptomatic relief can be obtained by anti histamines and ointments prescribed by your doctor. Preventing nickel exposure to your skin is the best solution from staying away from nickel allergy, if you have history of allergic reaction to nickel.
Why am I allergic to nickel?
Nickel allergy can be caused by wearing jewelry and more particularly by body piercing jewels. Some people may develop allergy to nickel if their skin comes into direct contact with the element. It is one of the major reasons for getting contact dermatitis.
Is it possible for a nickel allergy to go away?
In the United States, about 36 percent of women under the age of 18 have a nickel allergy. Once it has developed, a nickel allergy is unlikely to go away . The only way to treat a nickel allergy is to avoid all items and foods containing nickel.
