How Long Does A Nickel Allergy Rash Last

Avoid Body And Ear Piercing

If in need of ear and body piercing, make sure that it is done through a sterile and stainless steel needle. Normally after the piercing wear18 karat gold earrings that are made of high-quality stainless steel until full skin recovery. Always ensure the piercing studio uses stainless steel piercing gun and the needle is not used to pierce another person.

How Is Nickel Allergy Diagnosed

Your doctor will examine your skin and talk to you about your medical history and what metals and other substances have contacted your skin. If the doctor suspects you have a nickel allergy, the next step might be a patch test. Tiny amounts of substances that might cause an allergic reaction, including nickel, are placed on your back and covered with patches that remain in place for 2 days. The patched test sites are then analyzed after two days, and again two or more days after that.

What Are The Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction

A jewelry allergy typically begins 24 to 48 hours after being exposed to the item. These symptoms may last for as long as 2 to 4 weeks, and will usually only appear where the metal came into contact with the skin.

The symptoms of a jewelry allergy may resemble a reaction to poison ivy. More specifically, the symptoms that result may include:

• Itching or irritation
• Dry patches that resemble a burn
• Blisters and draining fluid

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What Is The Treatment For Nickel Allergy

Treatment is often necessary for nickel dermatitis.

• Compresses Dry up blisters with diluted vinegar compresses. Do not use these if the skin is dry.
• Topical steroids Apply topical steroid to the dermatitis as directed by your doctor.
• AntibioticsAntibiotics may be necessary for secondary infection of nickel dermatitis .
• Emollients Apply soothing emollientcreams frequently to relieve itch and dry skin.

Unfortunately, desensitization with injections or pills is not possible so the allergy tends to persist long-term.

How Are The Symptoms Of Nickel Allergy Treated

There is no cure for nickel allergy, but avoidance of contact with the inciting object often results in clearing of the rash. Treatments for contact allergies include lotions and creams, oatmeal baths, and other medications called topical corticosteroids that decrease inflammation. Antihistamines, medications that block a substance the immune system releases when it encounters something it is allergic to, can also be used. You might have to try different medications to see what works for you.

Systemic corticosteroids are occasionally used in short courses for severe spread of dermatitis. When other treatments have not helped, either because of spread of the contact allergy or association with other types of dermatitis such as atopic eczema , doctors sometimes use phototherapy also called light therapy which is the use of ultraviolet light on the skin. Phototherapy is a long process, and it can take months of steady treatments to produce an improvement.

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Can Nickel Allergy Affect Areas That Are Not In Contact With Metal

This has been debated by dermatologists.

Some people develop intermittent or persistent eczema on their hands and feet. It is usually a blistering type of eczema, known as pompholyx or dyshidrotic hand dermatitis. Sometimes it is due to contact with metal items containing nickel, but often there is no obvious reason for it.

It has been suggested that in nickel allergic people pompholyx may be due to nickel in the diet. Unfortunately it is not possible to avoid ingesting nickel as it is present in most foodstuffs. A low-nickel diet is only rarely helpful.

Nickel dermatitis

Nickel Allergy: How To Avoid Exposure And Reduce Symptoms

Eczema or psoriasis? Managing eczema in summertimeMoisturizer to reduce eczema flaresNickel allergySevere atopic dermatitis

Nickel allergy: How to avoid exposure and reduce symptoms

If you have a nickel allergy, the best way to avoid symptoms is to avoid objects containing nickel. To avoid exposure and reduce symptoms, board-certified dermatologists recommend following these tips.

Nickel is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis: a skin rash or irritation caused by touching an allergen. In fact, it is estimated that more than 18 percent of people in North America are allergic to nickel, including 11 million children in the U.S.

If you have a nickel allergy, the best way to avoid symptoms is to avoid objects containing nickel. However, this can be challenging, since nickel is present in many common household items.

To avoid exposure and reduce symptoms, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

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How Can An Allergic Reaction To Nickel Be Prevented

While the allergy itself cant be prevented, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction to nickel is to avoid all objects containing it. Always check with the manufacturer, retailer, or label to find out if an item is made of or contains nickel before you buy or use it.

Nickel is also present in a surprisingly large number of foods and food products, including:

• soy milk and chocolate milk
• chocolate and cocoa powders
• certain canned and processed foods, including meat and fish
• certain grains, including:
• soy products, such as tofu
• certain fruits, including:

Prevalence Of Nickel Allergy In Children And Adults

Nickel is the most common contact allergen in the world. There are a number of studies that have determined how many people have developed a sensitivity to nickel based on skin tests. For Germany, a study that analysed the data of more than 100,000 patients between 2005 and 2014 revealed that an average of 8.5% of children from birth to tens years, 12.35 % of adolescents between 13 and 17 years, and 15.5% of adults have a nickel sensitivity. By way of comparison, a Europe-wide study has shown that sensitisation has occurred in 25.9% of the population in Italy, 24% in Spain and 11.9% in Denmark. While sensitisation does not mean that all of those who tested positive experience allergy symptoms, it is clear that sensitisation is a condition for the manifestation of an allergy. In other words: the more sensitised people there are in a given country, the greater the chances are that they will develop contact eczema. As it turns out, women are generally at higher risk of developing a nickel allergy than men. This is due in part to the fact that contact with costume jewellery and body piercings promotes nickel sensitisation.

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Post Diagnosis Next Steps

After a weekend of being in shock, depressed and angry I decided I had to pick myself up and find a solution. I researched SNAS world-wide. I spoke with experts in the United States, Denmark, India and Europe. I began to come up a plan to grow my own vegetables with as little nickel as possible. The concept of the carnation flower experiment kept occurring to me: when a white carnation is placed in colored water, the colored water is drawn up to the leaves and changes the color in the leaves. That is what happens in plants with nickel.

Since nickel is a micro-nutrient found in the air, water and soil it is impossible to live a nickel free lifestyle but it HAD to be possible to grow food without as much nickel exposure. I began looking into hydroponics. I scheduled meetings, and met with, the head of botany programs in North Carolina. I learned all I could about growing food without soil and in an environment I could control.

In the end, this is how I decided to handle my diagnosis:

Risk Factors Of A Metal Allergy

There are a variety of risk factors that are associated with metal allergies. If you have an ear or body piercing, the prolonged use of metal may cause a reaction. Some occupations have more exposure to metal than others. Occupations such as metalworkers, tailors, and hairdressers, come into frequent contact with metal. Females have a higher chance of being at risk for a metal allergy, and even higher risk if they are overweight. Another major risk factor of having a metal allergy is if there is a family history of metal allergies.

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Prevention Of A Metal Allergy

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction to metal is to avoid it. Look for hypoallergenic jewelry because they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. When getting piercings, be sure to choose the studio carefully. Choose a studio that uses sterile, surgical-grade stainless steel needles. When purchasing your piercing jewelry, choose one that has documentation of metal content on the packaging, as some metals may not cause a reaction. Creating a barrier may also work. This can be done by sewing on a patch to zippers or putting a clear coat on jewelry.

Your Nickel Rash Could Become Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome

Before November, 2015 I had never heard of Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome. I had been experiencing allergic rashes to jewelry for years. and couldnt wear anything but yellow gold. What I didnt know was that a simple nickel allergic reaction on the outside of my body could also cause systemic issues inside my body. Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome causes not only a rash from nickel on ones hands, eyelids, inner elbows, knees and buttock but can also involve the respiratory system, neurological system and gastrointestinal system.SNAS can cause rhinitis and bronchial asthma, brain fog and hallucinations and even Celiac-like symptoms.

It took over 40 years for me to get the correct diagnosis. After over a decade of suffering from gastrointestinal issues , and visiting the top Gastroenterologists in the United States, no one could figure out what I was suffering from. I visited allergists, who said food allergies dont present issues in the gastrointestinal tract. I went to dermatologists who gave me creams for the nickel rash, insisted it was a contact dermatitis, and didnt believe me when I said the rashes occurred after I ate specific foods . I went to homeopathic MDs, natural-paths, nutritionists, and dietitians. I even had food sensitivity tests run.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Nickel Allergy

The symptoms of nickel allergy can be mild, or severe enough to be disabling. They include red skin, itching or burning sensations, blisters, cracked skin and, in severe cases, swelling and spread beyond the site of initial contacts. A severe form of nickel allergy called systemic nickel allergy syndrome can also cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

How Long Does Skin Allergy Last

Skin allergies are no fun, especially when they last several days or weeks. Ive had my fair share of rashes and other skin issues. It can be frustrating trying to get rid of the skin allergy.

How long does skin allergy last? Skin allergies usually last about 2 to 3 weeks. If your skin allergy is hives, it can last a day or two. If you have an eczema flare-up, it can last from several days to several weeks.

The reason you have a rash is because your body overreacted to something it thought was dangerous. It was actually trying to help you but went overboard and created the rash.

When the skin suspects something dangerous is attacking it, it releases antibodies to combat the attackers. This creates the rash.

Read on to learn what type of skin allergy you have and how long it will last. Also, Ill give tips on how to get it to clear up faster.

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Having Body And Ear Piercing

Most of the jewelry are made and coated with nickel thus puts the body at high risk of containing nickel allergy. According to research done by American Academy of Dermatology, 16 % of men are nickel allergic compared to 36 % women under the age of 18 in America. The research concludes that this factor is highly contributed to the cheap body and ear piercing in young girls.

What You Can Do

• Write down a description of your symptoms, when they first appeared and whether they occur in a pattern.
• Make a list of any medications you take, including vitamins and dietary supplements.
• Prepare a list of questions.

Questions that you might want to ask your doctor include:

• What’s the most likely cause of my rash?
• What else might cause it?
• Is there a test that can confirm a nickel allergy? Do I need to prepare for this test?
• What are the treatments available for nickel allergy, and which do you recommend?
• What side effects can I expect from these treatments?
• Can I use over-the-counter medications to treat the condition?

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Choose A Piercing Studio Carefully

Before getting a piercing, check to be sure the studio uses sterile, nickel-free or surgical-grade stainless steel needles in sealed packages. If the studio uses a piercing gun, check to see if the part that touches the person getting pierced isn’t used on other customers. Check that the studio only sells hypoallergenic jewelry and can provide documentation of metal content of the products for sale.

Does A Rash Go Away On Its Own

A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin. While there are many causes of a rash, some rashes indicate a more serious skin infection such as ringworm. In most cases, rashes are left untreated to clear on their own. The rash will likely clear up without complications in two to three weeks as long as the person is not re-exposed to the allergen. To know if a rash is clearing up, looking for signs will be essential. So let’s get started and see the signs of skin rashes.

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How To Tell If A Skin Rash Needs Medical Attention

To the untrained eye, all rashes might appear easily treatable with both home and over the oral counter medications. But, it is not the case. Rashes might look like blotches or blisters the rash might be red, itchy, scaly, or dry and they can develop in one area of skin or all over the body. Besides some doctors say rashes may come and go, while others may never go away. Most of the skin rashes are not life-threatening. However, some can depict something serious. Since rashes can have many causes, if you have concerns, the best way to diagnose a rash is to see a doctor for an assessment. If you have a rash and see any of the following signs visit a doctor.

Overview Of A Metal Allergy

A metal allergy is one of the most common types of skin allergies, and is commonly attributed to nickel which is found in metals. Nickel is used in many of our everyday items, such as coins, jewelry or cell phones.

• Long-term exposure to metal that you are allergic to can cause your skin to become dark and leathery.
• Symptoms include: rashes, redness, swelling and pain.
• The most common reaction comes from when people wear nickel, such as jewelry.
• A nickel allergy can be felt as soon as 15 minutes within touching it if you are sweating. If you are not sweating, it will likely take a few hours to notice a rash.
• If you must be in contact with metals such as nickel, then it is best to coat it with a clear spray, or clear nail polish.

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Test Your Metal Items

A nickel-testing kit can obtained from your dermatologist, pharmacist or online supplier. The 2-bottle or single solution formula contain 1% dimethylglyoxime and 10% ammonium hydroxide.

Apply a drop from each bottle on to the metal item to be tested first try it on a coin. Use a cotton bud to rub gently observe the colour on the bud. If it remains clear, the item has no free nickel and will not cause dermatitis. If the cotton bud has stained pink, the item contains nickel and may cause dermatitis if it touches the skin of someone allergic to nickel. The chemicals will not harm jewellery.

Tips For Wearing Costume Jewelry

When you are diagnosed with some form of allergy to metal, its important to stay away from jewelry and other accessories containing that metal.

However, this is easier said than done as many jewelry products contain metals like nickel. Silver or gold plated jewelry contain nickel alloys underneath. Any gold jewelry that is less than 24K, such as white gold, will also contain a mixture of metals to provide structure to soft, pure gold.

Here are some ways you can continue to wear inexpensive jewelry and keep your skin safe at the same time:

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