What Are the Signs of an Allergic Reaction to Nickel?

The nature of metal allergy is a disorder of the immune system. Metal allergies usually manifest as contact allergies to metals in daily contact. It is more common that these metals have a composition of nickel (Ni) or are electroplated (nickel will be used for electroplating), and in summer, the chemical composition (salt ions) of sweat will make these metal elements more active (ionized) It is also easier to penetrate into the skin, so this "rotten" phenomenon will be worse in the summer. In addition, metal cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) have also been recorded as causing metal allergies. Highly stable metals such as pure gold and pure titanium cause less metal allergies. The surface of sterling silver is generally covered by transparent silver oxide, which is also relatively stable and less susceptible to allergies.

Metal allergy

The nature of metal allergy is a disorder of the immune system. Metal allergies usually manifest as contact allergies to metals in daily contact. It is more common that these metals have the composition of nickel (Ni) or are electroplated (nickel is used for electroplating), and in summer,

Every one million people in the world are allergic to metals. The most common allergenic metal is nickel, and jewelry is also a major allergen. Once an allergy occurs, it can cause swelling, itching, yellow water, etc. in the surrounding skin.

When you wear earrings, the earlobe will become red and swollen, and even it will run down. When someone wears a watch, it will itch on the wrist.

Allergic reactions caused by accessories, gadgets, bone nails, metal trays, cookware, tableware, and food containing metals are not uncommon. People's understanding of allergic diseases is not comprehensive. It is believed that the substances that cause allergic reactions are mainly biological and drug allergens, and metals seem to have nothing to do with allergies. Metal looks hard and dense enough to enter the body. In fact, the contact with some metals over a long period of time can also slowly absorb and sensitize the human body. After sensitization, it can cause allergic reactions when contacted with the same metal. Moreover, beverages and foods also contain various metal components. People can also be sensitized. People can't survive without metal for one day, but metal also has various adverse effects on people. Allergic reactions are one of them. Mortz.HG and others in Denmark reported that most alloys contain metallic nickel) allergies, among which females account for 13.7% and males account for 2.5%, most of which are related to dental metal braces or metal trinkets.

Metal allergies can occur locally on the skin, causing allergic contact dermatitis, and can also cause systemic allergic dermatitis. Therefore, once dermatitis of unknown cause occurs, you must go to a conditional hospital to determine which metal is allergic to the metal by a patch test on the metal, and then study how the metal enters the body. If you can prevent re-entry, the allergic reaction is No longer happen. But it is often very difficult to complete this process, so it is often not cured for a long time. Previously, there were no other treatments other than avoiding contact with metal allergens, and there were no drugs to treat them.

Metal products that cause skin irritation

Common metal products that can cause skin allergies include: hair clips, earrings, zippers, necklaces, eyeglass frames, watches, belt buckles, buttons, scissors, nickel coins, and so on. If you suspect you may be allergic to metals, ask a dermatologist for a patch test to determine if you should avoid contact with nickel-containing products. In addition, some foods also contain trace amounts of nickel, and if you have been identified to be allergic to nickel, you should also avoid eating. These foods include: oysters, asparagus, mushrooms, onions, spinach, tomatoes, corn, peanuts, cocoa, chocolate, tea, canned foods, and acid foods cooked in stainless steel containers.