Nickel allergy can cause some pretty serious health problems for a patient without thinking of associating an inflamed, itchy skin rash and general malaise with a new watch, jewelry, or belt buckle. Moreover, according to recent studies, some models of mobile phones, laptops, iPads, the case of which consists of an alloy of nickel with other metals, can provoke an itchy rash on the body. Scaly, erymatous patches on the skin in contact with metal objects makes it possible to quickly diagnose nickel allergy.
More than 11% of women and about 2% of men suffer from hypersensitivity to nickel, some countries are seriously concerned about this problem and require manufacturers of accessories for clothing and jewelry to use the safest nickel alloys or completely abandon the use of this metal.
Nickel sensitivity is persistent and can become a provoking factor for the development of contact dermatitis, chronic eczema. Nickel sensitization can develop with body piercings, wearing jewelry containing nickel alloys, nickel allergy sometimes manifests itself through contact with buttons, watches, eyeglass frames, belt buckles, “zippers” on jeans and even coins.
Scientists cannot name the exact reason for the development of nickel allergy, it is assumed that it is a hereditary predisposition and autoimmune reactions, when the body begins to fight particles of nickel that has got on the skin as a dangerous agent, causing a reaction in the form of a rash. Depending on the individual characteristics of the patient's body, nickel allergy can manifest itself both with a single contact and with prolonged exposure to the skin of a nickel-containing object.
Nickel Allergy Symptoms and Features
Nickel allergy most commonly presents as a bright, inflamed, scaly rash that causes intense itching. Nickel allergy can be localized to areas of body contact with the irritant, but sometimes the rash spreads throughout the body. In addition, nickel allergy can cause sores on the gums and in the mouth.
In addition to body rashes, nickel allergy causes general malaise, headache, bloating and nausea in some patients. If an allergy to nickel manifests itself after piercing the earlobes, then burning, redness and swelling occur at the puncture sites, inflammation may develop.
Nickel allergy treatment and prevention of flare-ups
The main factor in successful treatment of nickel allergy is the avoidance of contact with nickel-containing objects. Some studies have shown that desensitizing drugs are effective in treating nickel allergy. Antihistamines, topical creams, and ointments containing corticosteroids are recommended to reduce symptoms of nickel allergy and relieve itching. If the allergic reaction is severe, systemic corticosteroids are given.
The patient should be warned that nickel is found not only in metal alloys, but also in many cosmetic products, tattoo inks, and even foodstuffs (for example, in asparagus, tomatoes, beans, spinach, nuts), therefore, in case of exacerbation of allergies for nickel, you need to carefully plan the menu and choose nickel-free cosmetics.
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