This is a type of allergy that causes someone to have an itchy rash on the spot where the skin touches a material that is usually harmless (contact dermatitis). In most cases, earrings and jewelry are the causes, but there are other substances such as coins, zippers, cell phones and eyeglass frames. Usually, it takes a prolonged period for one to develop this type of allergy and once developed, it will always make the victim be sensitive to metallic materials and therefore need to avoid contact. Healthcare providers can easily diagnose the condition based on the appearance of the dermis and recent exposure to nickel-containing products. Additionally, doctors and other health workers can conduct a patch test to rule out on nickel allergy. Treatment helps to alleviate symptoms.
Content
- Nickel allergy
- Symptoms of nickel allergy
- Avoid all types of nickel allergy triggers
- Severe or moderate nickel allergy
- Avoid all types of foods containing nickel
- Coping with nickel allergy
Details
Nickel allergy comes as a result of responses from the body defence mechanism. The immune system is responsible for influencing chemical variations in the body that aids to fight the pathogens that invade the body. Generally, among individuals with allergies, the immune system mistakes harmless components in the body as an intruder and develop a protective response towards it. In this case, people with nickel allergy suffers because the body reacts to the food or other materials containing nickel. The best thing about this condition is that it can be managed even though there is no known cure. The best way to prevent the allergy is by avoiding the allergen. Some medications can be used in the management of the health problem, and they include Corticosteroid cream, Non-steroidal cream, oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone as well as an Oral antihistamine, such as fexofenadine (Allegra) or cetirizine (Zyrtec). Moreover, there are some therapies that one can have and includes calamine lotion, moisturizing body lotion, and wet compresses.
Symptoms
Individuals are having nickel allergy begin to develop skin reaction within 12 to 48 hours after contacting the allergen (substance containing nickel). There are many physical and clinical manifestation that presents, and they include skin rash and bumps, dry patches on the skin that have resemblance with burns, itching of the skin in the location of contact, redness or their variation in the dermis, and blisters in severe cases. Nickel is also one of the leading causes of a skin rash known as allergic contact dermatitis. Someone with a nickel allergy will almost always have a localized response following exposure to objects containing nickel. This means that the allergic reaction only affects the part of the skin that comes into contact with nickel. Eating foods containing small amounts of nickel may also trigger an immune response that causes changes in the skin. Allergic contact dermatitis causes the following symptoms: Severe itching, Scaly, raw, or thickened skin, Dry, discolored, or rough skin, Warm, tender skin, Fluid-filled blisters. In rare cases, a nickel allergy can also lead to respiratory problems, including a runny nose, nasal inflammation, asthma, and sneezing.
Avoiding all type of nickel triggers
An individual who is a victim of nickel allergy should avoid all kind of products that contain nickel be it metals or food products. This can help to prevent triggering of the allergy. Healthcare providers should treat and educate the client on various ways that they can be managing the condition at homes if it is not severe.
Severe or moderate nickel allergy
Since hypersensitivity reactions of the body will occur upon contact with nickel, people having this health issue should take extra precaution and avoid any contact with the allergen. Even though there are home-based treatment modalities, people should consider going for visiting a healthcare facility to be managed accordingly to prevent the development of complications, especially in severe cases. Friends and relatives should be there for the patient to ensure that he or she is not developing complications.
Avoid all types of foods containing nickel
Nickel is also present in a surprisingly large number of foods and food products, including black tea, nuts and seeds, soy milk and chocolate milk, chocolate and cocoa powders, certain canned and processed foods, including meat and fish (check labels). Also, it is found in grains such as oats, in vegetables like spinach, in legumes such as peas and lentils and lastly in fruits such as bananas, pears, and all canned fruits.
Coping with nickel allergy
Since nickel allergy is not the only condition that can cause redness in the skin, it is important to test the real cause of the dermis deviation from normal. If the allergy is ruled out, the causative agent should be identified, and the victim should henceforth be taking extra care to avoid further contact with the triggers. This can help curb the occurrence of the allergy as well as the development of complications that accompany the allergy. It is important to use medication and other treatment strategies that are there to facilitate recovery if the condition persists more than 48 hours.
