Nickel allergy – symptoms, risk factors, precautions

Proven content

Nickel is a silvery-white metal with which we come into contact practically every day, because it can often be found in jewelery, but also in cosmetics and food products. Allergy to nickel is more common in women than in men, and the symptoms of allergy can be quite tiring. How is nickel allergy manifested, what are the risk factors for allergy, and what should be avoided in order not to be exposed to ailments?

Nickel allergy – risk factors

The concept of allergy was introduced into medicine by the Viennese doctor Klemens von Pirquet in 1905. So it was many years ago, but even nowadays, sensitivity to various allergens keeps many people awake at night. In the case of nickel allergy, the statistics are unambiguous and describe nickel allergy as a fairly common problem. The occurrence of an allergic reaction to nickel affects up to 13% of adults and 8% of children.

For example, the development of an allergy can cause the wearing of earrings, necklaces or other nickel jewelery to start early. Then the skin is constantly in contact with the allergen, which promotes the development of allergy.

Gender is certainly a risk factor – women are more often allergic to nickel than men. This is mainly related to the popularity of jewelry in the case of women – almost every lady has at least a few jewelry products and wears them not only for larger events, but also every day. Allergy to nickel affects women five times more often.

Susceptibility to allergies often has a genetic basis, so family members are allergic to nickel as a risk factor, and subsequent generations may be more sensitive to nickel. Additionally, people who are allergic to other metals (such as cobalt and chromium) may be more susceptible to nickel allergy.

Nickel is found in a variety of objects and environments, so people exposed to the environment may be at risk of developing allergies. Occupational exposure therefore functions as another risk factor and affects, inter alia, cashiers, cleaners, hairdressers and machine maintenance.

Smoking cigarettes is also recognized as a potential factor in the development of nickel allergy.

This may interest you: An article about allergenic allergens

Nickel allergy – symptoms

The name “allergy” (or “interact”) comes from the Greek language. This way of interaction results from the reaction between the allergen that the human body has to deal with and the antibodies. There are many types of allergens and allergies and they can affect the body and cause symptoms in different ways. In case of nickel allergy, symptoms mainly affect the skin.

The symptoms of the skin are mainly related to situations where, for example, the patient has worn an object containing nickel or has been in contact with it for a long time. An allergic reaction does not have to appear immediately, often symptoms are noticed only 12 hours or even two days after contact with the allergen. The skin lesions can last up to a month and are found in the area where the allergen has come into contact with the skin.

The most common allergic reaction is contact eczema, which presents as a maculo-vesicular rash. The patient experiences itchy skin and general discomfort. Additional symptoms that may be faced by people allergic to nickel include:

1. rhinitis,
2. hives
3. difficulty breathing and other asthma symptoms
4. allergic conjunctivitis – watery eyes, redness of the eyes.

Conversely, a patient who consumes foods with a high nickel content may experience allergic reactions related to the digestive system. Then the patient may complain of nausea and vomiting.

Also check: Anaphylactic shock – a disturbing reaction to contact with an allergen

Nickel allergy – precautions

Nickel has been classified as a carcinogen. The organs that are selectively susceptible to the influence of this factor are the skin and the lungs, so they may contribute to the formation of skin cancer, for example. Nickel allergy is therefore an issue that should be taken seriously and be aware that there are precautions to avoid contact with a dangerous allergen.

Before implementing the precautionary measures, it is worth confirming that you are allergic to nickel. This can be done after consulting an allergist doctor. For diagnostics, for example, a specialized patch test should be performed. According to the course of this study, an allergen is applied to the skin, and then the patient observes the body’s reaction to contact with nickel.

Nickel can be found in objects made of white metal, i.e. in various types of ornaments, clasps, watches, keys, jewelry – earrings, necklaces, chains, bracelets, brooches, in paper clips, as well as in some parts of vacuum cleaners and sewing machines.

However, this is not a complete list. Nickel can also be found in:

1. zippers,
2. coins,
3. scissors,
4. dental prostheses,
5. soy flour,
6. dark chocolate,
7. nutmeg,
8. wheat germ,
9. cashew nuts,
10. Italian cabbage,
11. white beans,
12. vegetables and fruit grown in the vicinity of factories.

It is also worth paying attention to the content of cosmetics. When you buy a product, you can check whether it has been tested for nickel content.

The most sensible way to deal with allergies is to avoid allergen-containing products, especially since there is no other solution to desensitize nickel allergies. For example, it is worth giving up artificial jewelry permanently and choosing only products made of proven materials that do not cause allergies.

Wearing nickel jewelry can be especially harmful as, for example, earrings, a necklace or a bracelet stick to your skin all the time. However, if the patient experiences unpleasant symptoms after contact with nickel, they can be relieved with the help of specialized dermatological measures, for example, soothing ointments. In this matter, it is worth consulting a dermatologist.

Also read: All about nickel