Nickel allergies are lifelong.
What Causes a Nickel Allergy Rash?
Nickel is a silver-colored metal often mixed with other metals to make items.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
It is the most common cause of metal allergy.
A nickel allergy can happen after your first exposure to nickel or after repeated or prolonged exposures.
Symptoms include:
Nickel allergies are not life-threatening and do not causeanaphylactic shock.
How Is Nickel Allergy Diagnosed?
A patch test may be needed to identify the cause of the allergic reaction.
Nickel Allergy Treatment
There is no cure for nickel allergy.
The only way to avoid symptoms is to avoid contact with the metal.
Sometimes, healthcare providers will prescribe acorticosteroidor other medication applied to the skin (topical medication).
An oral corticosteroid such asprednisonemight be prescribed in some severe cases.
Ways to Avoid Nickel
Avoiding nickel is the only way to prevent a nickel allergy reaction.
There are steps you might take to avoid coming into contact with nickel.
The most common symptom is a red, itchy rash.
If you are allergic to nickel, you will be for life.
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American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Two cents about nickel allergy.
Nickel Institute.What do you’re gonna wanna know about nickel allergy?.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Contact dermatitis tips for managing.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Contact dermatitis diagnosis and treatment.
