Have you ever worn a pair of earrings, necklace or bracelet, only to notice a tiny rash forming? If so, this may be because you are exhibiting signs of a nickel allergy. The tiny rash that is forming could be your body’s reaction to an irritant – the nickel in the jewelry.
Dr. Vivian Bucay can help anyone who suspects they may be suffering from a nickel allergy. She, along with her staff, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of skin conditions. She can help you better understand this common skin condition, learn about treatment options, and provide tips on how to avoid an allergic reaction from nickel.
What is a Nickel Allergy?
A nickel allergy is the body’s way of reacting to what it views as an irritant. The body views the nickel found in jewelry, coins, and other objects as an irritation and reacts. The reaction comes in the form of a red rash, known as contact dermatitis, which can be extremely itchy. The rash will only form on areas where the nickel came into contact with the skin.
Nickel allergies are not serious. There may be some itching and brief discomfort, but it will not seriously impact a person’s overall health.
What Objects May Irritate Someone with a Nickel Allergy?
Any object that contains nickel can cause an individual with nickel allergy to react. However, some objects are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than others. Common objects linked to nickel allergies include jewelry, cellphones, coins, zippers, and some types of eyeglass frames.
Understanding what causes a nickel allergy is important as it can keep you from developing a rash. Dr. Bucay can help you narrow down what objects may be causing your nickel allergy.
How is a Nickel Allergy Diagnosed?
Both a visual examination of the rash and a patch test can help Dr. Bucay successfully diagnosis a nickel allergy. A Visual examination combined with asking questions about your recent history is the most common method of diagnosis, as it is the least invasive.
Sometimes it may not be obvious that it is a nickel allergy. If Dr. Bucay suspects a nickel allergy, but is unable to make a diagnosis she may order a patch test. A patch test helps determine if an allergy to nickel, as well as other substances/allergens, may be present.