Nickel Allergy Defined

Nickel allergy is a form of dermatitis called allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) - to nickel. Dermatitis, simply put is inflammation of your skin or a rash. The rash can have the following characteristics: red, itchy, swelling, welts or hives, and cracks or fissures.

Nickel salts from the jewelry actually penetrate the skin and cause the sensitization then ultimately an allergic reaction. Once an individual is sensitized to nickel via repeated exposure, the rash or inflammatory response appears each time nickel contact reoccurs. There is no cure for nickel allergy and it is a life long ailment. The only options are avoidance via detection and protection.

Sensitization can take a week, month, or years to occur. That delay often makes identification of the nickel source difficult - hence the need to test all metal items you contact.

Nickel Sensitization: Piercing of the skin is an obvious direct link of nickel sensitization. Injury of the skin via piercing followed by prolonged direct contact to nickel (the nickel containing piercing stud) is a well known cause of sensitization. Studies of youth with pierced ears have nickel allergy at an alarming 31% rate. While only 2% of youth without pierced ears have nickel allergy.

Nickel & Allergies: Nickel is in a majority of metal items we use because it is inexpensive and adds durability as well as luster to other metals.

Why do items once "safe" to wear suddenly cause problems? It is because many items are plated or have overlays. Costume jewelry, for example, often uses a nickel alloy as the base metal, then uses an overlay or plating process to cover the nickel containing base metal. Once the coating wears thin, even microscopically, the nickel allergy problems begin. Test your jewelry regularly, even the "safe" items.

Demographics of Nickel Allergy: Traditionally women are more affected because they wear more jewelry and have been pierced more often. This is changing with more men getting pierced. Nickel allergy can develop at any age and often lasts a lifetime. Studies have shown that women ages 16-30 have the highest incidents of nickel allergy. Workplace exposure also should be reviewed. Hairdressers, bar staff, and metal workers are more likely to develop nickel allergy. Consider testing the metal items at work - after all, we spend 1/3 of our time there!

Nickel Free & Hypoallergenic Jewelry: These phrases mean different things to manufactures. Some define "nickel-free" as free of nickel in the plating or overlay but utilize nickel alloys in the base metal. When the plating or overlay wears, even microscopically, an allergic reaction can occur. All metal items should be tested on a regular basis. Don't let your skin tell you it contains nickel.

Weather: Nickel allergy often intensifies or flares-up in warmer weather. Heat and moisture aide the transfer of nickel salts - the true culprit of nickel allergy.