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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffNickel allergy is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis — an itchy rash that appears when your skin touches a usually harmless substance.
Nickel allergy is commonly associated with earrings and other jewelry for body piercings. But nickel can be found in many everyday items — from coins to necklace clasps, from watchbands to eyeglass frames.
Nickel allergy can affect people of all ages. A nickel allergy usually develops after repeated or prolonged exposure to items containing nickel. Treatments can reduce the symptoms of nickel allergy. Once you develop nickel allergy, however, you will always be sensitive to the metal and should avoid contact.
- Schram SE, et al. Nickel hypersensitivity: A clinical review and call to action. International Journal of Dermatology. 2010;49:115.
- Beltrani VS. Contact dermatitis: A practice parameter. Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. 2006;97:s1.
- Douglas JD. Allergic contact dermatitis: A focus on nickel. Dermatology Nursing. 2009;21:354.
- Tips to remember: Allergic skin conditions. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/allergicskinconditions.stm. Accessed June 13, 2010.
- Lu LK, et al. Prevention of nickel allergy: The case for regulation? Dermatology Clinic. 2009;27:155.
- Body art. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/bbp/bodyart/stateRegs.html. Accessed June 13, 2010.
- Tattoos and body piercings. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/media/background/factsheets/fact_tattoos.html. Accessed June 13, 2010.
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