Nickel allergy

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors

When to seek medical advice Screening and diagnosis Treatment Prevention

Introduction

Nickel is a metal found in many everyday items — from coins to belt buckles, and from jewelry to eyeglass frames.

Having an allergic reaction to nickel (nickel allergy) is common. In fact, nickel is one of the 10 most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis — a skin inflammation resulting in swollen, reddened and itchy skin due to direct contact with an allergen.

A nickel allergy may develop after your initial exposure to items containing nickel, or after repeated or prolonged exposure to nickel. In most cases, the resulting rash occurs only at the site of contact, though it may be found on other parts of your body as well.

Nickel allergy affects people of all ages. In most cases, it's a minor annoyance. However, in severe cases, the rash and extreme itching can be disabling — especially when located on your hands. There's no cure for nickel allergy. The best approach to nickel allergy is to avoid contact with nickel.

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Signs and symptoms