Nickel allergy can be caused by wearing jewelry and more particularly by body piercing jewels. Some people may develop allergy to nickel if their skin comes into direct contact with the element. It is one of the major reasons for getting contact dermatitis. Nickel is used in everyday items like coins, cell-phones and even on eyeglass frames. Nickel allergy can affect individuals of any age group. It develops after a person is repeatedly exposed to items that contain nickel. There are treatments available for reducing the symptoms. But it is wise to avoid using nickel in future, if you have developed nickel allergy.
Symptoms :
The allergic reaction from nickel starts mostly within a day or two after exposure to nickel. It can happen when you are wearing a new jewel or pierced your ear or nose for using a nickel ring. The allergic symptoms will appear on the place where the metal touches your body.
Initially there will be itching (moderate to severe), followed by redness and change in color of the skin. Then rashes will start appearing on the skin accompanied by burning sensation. In case of severe allergy, blisters or bumps will be formed with pus which will ooze out bad smelling fluid like discharge. It also forms dry patches on the skin where the metal touches your body.
Causes :
Nickel allergy develops on some people who are allergic to the metal. It is the response of the immune system to protect your body against infection. If you are allergic to nickel you will also develop allergic reaction to metals like cobalt or palladium. The immune system becomes sensitive to the element and causes rash and blisters with itching and pain.
Exact cause of such allergic reaction is not known and why it affects only some people is not clear. Generally allergic reaction takes place when the body is exposed to the metal for some days. Sensitivity to nickel can be inherited. Some of the sources of nickel exposure are wearing jewelry, body piercings, watchbands, bracelets, belt buckles, and frames for eyeglasses and using keys that contain nickel.