Nickel allergy is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to metal which contains nickel. It is most often a reaction to jewelry, but may also occur by contact with things like bra hooks, zippers, or the metal in eyeglass frames.
Causes
- Like other allergies, nickel allergy is acquired. Ear piercing sometimes initiates nickel allergy.
- Nickel allergy may develop at any age. Once you become allergic to nickel, you're likely to have the allergy for many years.
- Some persons are highly allergic to nickel and may get a rash from even brief contact with nickel-containing metals, while others break out only after a long period of skin contact with nickel.
- Nickel allergy is especially common in women. It often prevents them from wearing jewelry. Most jewelry contains nickel; however, there is less nickel in 14- or 18-karat gold jewelry than in inexpensive costume jewelry. There are comanies that sell nickel-free jewelry.
Treatment
- Nickel-allergy rashes usually clear up once contact with nickel-containing metal is stopped and topical cortisone is applied to the rash.
- Preventing nickel-contact rashes means avoiding skin contact with nickel-containing metals. If you feel you must wear jewelry that has a nickel-content, wear the jewelry for only short periods of time, applying a cortisone cream to your skin before putting your jewelry on.
Rev. 11/07
