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Nickel Allergy

Nickel allergy is a very common form of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD). A rash develops after contact with nickel and may have the following characteristic(s): redness, itching, swelling, hives and/or cracks.

Nickel Allergy

Piercing is a major cause of nickel allergy. When the skin is injured, prolonged contact with nickel causes an allergic reaction. Nickel salts from the jewelry penetrate the skin and cause sensitization. Once an individual is sensitized to nickel, symptoms will appear after contact with nickel.

Nickel allergy is considered a delayed Type IV allergy meaning an allergic reaction may occur up to 48 hours after nickel contact.

Allergy relief

For immediate relief, your doctor may recommend a steroid cream to help reduce inflammation and redness. Nickel allergy rashes usually clear once contact with nickel is stopped. It is important to identify the source of nickel and avoid it.

How to avoid nickel

The key to avoiding nickel is to identify it before your skin does.

All metal items suspected of containing nickel may be tested with a dimethyl glyoxime test called Nickel Alert. Nickel alert quickly, safely, and easily tests jewelry and other metal items for the presence of nickel.

Where nickel is found

Nickel is frequently found in metal and metal objects including gold because it is inexpensive, durable, and lustrous.

Often when it is difficult to identify the nickel source because a rash might not appear for two days. It is critical to test all metal items since there are often multiple sources of exposure.

Commons items that may contain nickel:

  • Earrings
  • Necklaces
  • Rings
  • Bracelets
  • Costume and heirloom jewelry
  • Buttons and snaps
  • Belt buckles
  • Zippers
  • Fasteners
  • Hand tools and scissors
  • Keys and coins
  • Eyeglass frames
  • Watches and bands
  • Gold-white and yellow, especially 10 and 14 ct
  • Brass or chrome fixtures
  • Kitchen utensils—silverware
  • Bra hooks
  • Suspender clips
  • Hair pins
  • Handbags / clutches
  • Cigarette lighters
  • Jean studs
  • Razors
  • Pocket knives
  • Pens
  • Lipstick holders
  • Powder compacts
  • "Hypoallergenic and "Nickel-free" jewelry

Nickel allergy Facts

  • The most common sites for nickel allergy are earlobes, neck, and wrist where metal touches the skin. In children, one of the most common signs of nickel allergy is a rash on the central abdomen from snaps/buttons.
  • Nickel allergy can develop at any age and often last a lifetime.
  • Nickel allergy is the second most common form of allergic contact dermatitis after poison ivy, oak and sumac.
  • 15% of the women in the U.S. are nickel allergic.
  • There is no cure for nickel allergy.

Nickel-free and hypoallergenic jewelry

There are no government standards or regulations for using the terms "nickel-free" or "hypoallergenic".

Jewelry labeled "nickel-free" or "hypoallergenic" often refers only to the plating. The base metal may contain nickel. Once the plating wears thin, even microscopically, nickel salts will come in contact with your skin and symptoms can occur.

Expensive jewelry may contain nickel in the base metal.

Test your jewelry regularly, even the "safe" items, using the dimethyl glyoxime test – Nickel Alert.

Metals that often contain nickel

  • Gold-white and yellow
  • Silver, sterling silver, silver plate
  • Palladium
  • Chrome (or Chromate)
  • Cobalt

Suitable replacements for nickel

  • Aluminum
  • Titanium
  • Platinum
  • Plastic
  • Wood

When avoidance of nickel is not possible

Avoiding nickel is ideal, but not always possible. When avoidance of nickel is not possible, coat the metal that contacts your skin (jean studs, eyeglass frames, etc.) with a clear coating. Avoid generic nail polishes; they often contain toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate which can lead to further sensitization for nickel allergic individuals. Use Nickel Guard as a safe alternative. Also, if possible, wear protective clothing (gloves, long sleeves, etc.) for larger areas.

Additional considerations

  • Weather: In summer, perspiration aids the transfer of nickel salts to the skin, increasing symptoms.
  • Diet: Severely allergic individuals may choose to avoid foods which are rich in nickel. Dietary intake of some foods has been shown to aggravate dermatitis, especially hand dermatitis. Your doctor may instruct you to avoid some foods which typically contain higher amounts of nickel, including asparagus, chocolate, peanuts, beans, peas, rhubarb, cabbage, oysters, spinach, herring, tea, mushrooms, whole meal flour, pears, sprouts, corn, raisins, onions, tomatoes, and baking powder.
  • Medical: Tell your physician that your are nickel allergic. Verify all dental appliances and surgical implants are nickel-free prior to implantation.
  • Work: For specific occupational sources of nickel, visit www.athenaallergy.com

Easily avoid nickel with Nickel Solution featuring Nickel Alert and Nickel guard.

You may order Nickel solution via:
Web: www.nickelsolution.com
Phone: (704) 947-1917
FAX: (857) 588-8765
Mail: PO Box 1294
Huntersville, NC 28070

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Asthma, Allergies and Pregnancy

 

If you are pregnant and have asthma or allergies, you may feel uneasy about taking medications, but it is very important to keep your symptoms under control.

How do you stay healthy and know which medications are best for you during your pregnancy?

An allergist / immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, can tell you which asthma and allergy medications are the safest and most effective to take throughout pregnancy. Make an appointment with an allergist soon after you discover you are pregnant to develop or review your personal treatment plan and to give you peace of mind.

In the meantime, here are answers to some common questions.

Can women with asthma have safe pregnancies?
Yes. With good asthma management, you can keep your asthma under control and have a healthy baby.

How does uncontrolled asthma affect the fetus?
Uncontrolled asthma symptoms can cause a decrease in the amount of oxygen in your blood supply. The fetus gets its oxygen from your blood. Since a fetus needs a constant supply of oxygen for normal growth and development, managing asthma symptoms is very important to allow you and your baby to get enough oxygen.

Is it safe to take my asthma medications?
The risks of asthma flare-ups are greater than the risks of taking necessary asthma medications. Studies show that most inhaled asthma medications are safe for women to use while pregnant. However, oral medications (pills) should be avoided unless necessary to control symptoms. Knowing which medications to take is a good reason to stay in close contact with your allergist so he or she can monitor your condition and alter your medications or dosages if needed.

Will being pregnant affect my asthma symptoms?
Pregnancy may affect the severity of your asthma symptoms. One study showed that asthma symptoms were worse in 35% of pregnant women, improved in 28% and remained the same in 33% of pregnant women. Asthma has a tendency to get worse in the late second and early third trimesters.

Can I continue to get allergy shots during pregnancy?
Allergy shots (a form of immunotherapy) are safe to take while you are pregnant. As always, your allergist will monitor your dose to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to the shots. These reactions are rare; however, a reaction could be harmful to the fetus. Allergy shots are not started on patients who are pregnant but can be continued on patients who become pregnant while receiving it. Although current immunotherapy doses can be maintained during pregnancy, doses should not be increased until after delivery.

What should I avoid if I have asthma or allergies?
Whether you are pregnant or not, you should stay away from things that trigger your symptoms. This might include dust mites and animal dander, and irritants such as cigarette smoke.

Can women with asthma perform Lamaze?
Most women with asthma are able to do Lamaze breathing techniques without any problems. Asthma symptoms are rare during labor and delivery in women whose asthma has been managed during pregnancy.

Can I breastfeed if I am taking medications for my asthma or allergies?
Breastfeeding is a good way to increase your child's immunity, and it is strongly recommended. Medications recommended for use during pregnancy can be continued while nursing, because the baby gets less maternal medicine through breast milk than in the womb. Your allergist can discuss with you the best treatments while nursing.

Healthy Tips
Although these are common questions during pregnancy, each patient's individual treatment varies. It is best to visit your allergist regularly during pregnancy so that any worsening of asthma can be countered by appropriate changes in your asthma management plan. Make sure to discuss any specific concerns with your physician to ensure the healthiest pregnancy for your well being and that of your baby.

• You can have a healthy pregnancy if you have asthma or allergies.
• Managing your symptoms is very important during pregnancy.
• Do not stop taking your medications.
• An allergist has special training to develop or review a treatment plan that is right for you while you are pregnant.

 www.aaaai.org

 

The post Asthma, Allergies and Pregnancy appeared first on Oklahoma Allergy and Asthma Clinic.

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