Nickel Allergy: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments

Nickel allergy is a sensitivity to metal objects or substances containing nickel such as jewelry, zippers, coins, utensils, keys and paper clips. Limiting exposure to substances containing nickel is effective in reducing reactions.

Symptoms

• A nickel allergy results in topical symptoms of itchy rash, raised bumps, skin discoloration, blisters and dry skin due to chemical histamine releases that cause the skin to swell.

Diagnosis

• Nickel allergy is diagnosed by a skin patch test that exposes an individual to nickel by placing small amounts of the allergen on the skin to test for a reaction.

Over-the Counter

• Nickel allergy can be treated at home with over-the-counter oral antihistamines such as Benadryl that reduce skin inflammation caused by histamine production.

Topical Remedies

• Topical corticosteroids containing hydrocortisone, lotions such as calamine and wet compresses can be applied to the skin to relieve itching and blisters.

Prescription Treatment

• Doctors may prescribe corticosteroid ointments, prednisone and oral antihistamines such as Allegra to alleviate chronic skin irritation in moderate to severe cases.