Nickel allergy

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Nickel Allergy

Nickel allergy (/ˈnɪkəl ˈælərdʒi/) is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis — an itchy rash that appears where your skin touches a usually harmless substance. Nickel allergy is often associated with earrings and other jewelry for body piercings.

Etymology

The term "Nickel allergy" is derived from the element Nickel and the Greek word "allergia" meaning "other work".

Symptoms

Nickel allergy is characterized by a number of symptoms, including:

Causes

Nickel allergy is commonly caused by exposure to items containing nickel. These can include:

Diagnosis

A dermatologist can often diagnose nickel allergy based on skin's appearance, and by asking if you've touched anything metal. A dermatologist may also recommend a patch test. This test involves placing tiny amounts of nickel and other allergens on the skin to see if a reaction occurs.

Treatment

Treatment for nickel allergy primarily involves avoiding all sources of nickel. Over-the-counter treatments can help with the symptoms of nickel allergy. These include:

In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a stronger corticosteroid cream or an oral corticosteroid, like prednisone.

Prevention

Preventing nickel allergy involves avoiding contact with items containing nickel. This can be achieved by:

  • Wearing jewelry made of materials that don't contain nickel
  • Using nickel-free utensils and cookware
  • Covering nickel-containing items with a clear barrier, like paint or varnish

External links

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