Nickel Allergy – How To Get Relief During Traveling

Nickel Allergy Treatment And Symptoms

Nickel allergy is a one of the most common form allergic contact dermatitis – a condition in which the skin becomes allergic to the touch of certain substances. People with nickel allergy experiences itchy rashes on the skin when they come in contact with any nickel-containing substance. Since the use of nickel is widespread – it’s found in everyday items like chains, jewelries, coins, clips, utensils, zippers, fasteners, glass frames, pens, keys and other such items. – it becomes especially important to pay attention to items that cause nickel allergy to the body. A nickel allergy may develop at first contact or it may develop gradually with repeated exposure. If you have nickel allergy, the symptoms generally appear 12-14 hours after the exposure to nickel. Usual symptoms are rashes, redness, and itchiness, along with dry patches or blistered skin. Generally, the symptoms appear on the skin at the point of contact with the metal; however, it is not unusual to see these symptoms appearing on parts of the body other than the point of contact.

The reason why a certain section of people is allergic to nickel and others are not is a question that is still not understood fully. It is believed that the answer lies in our body’s immune system, which behaves in its own individual way and varies from person to person. In nickel-allergic people, the body mistakenly identifies nickel as a harmful substance. Therefore, whenever the body comes in contact with a nickel-containing substance, the immune system produces an inflammatory response. It is also seen that genetic reasons and certain body functions (like excessive sweating) may also influence the extent of nickel allergy in a person. It is very common to experience a flare up of nickel allergy during travelling because of the wide variety of substances that our body is exposed to during travel. Other prominent causes of nickel allergy are body piercing and the use of cosmetic jewelry.

Once the nickel allergy develops, there’s no way to cure it for good. If you have nickel allergy, the allergy symptoms will flare up whenever the body is exposed to nickel. The symptoms will usually stay for about 2-4 weeks before easing up and disappearing. There are, however, some steps that you can take up to manage the symptoms effectively.

Tips For Nickel Allergy

• Use soothing lotions or moisturizing creams on your skin to get relief from itching. Mentholated creams and lotions may prove to be even better at reducing the itch.

• Apply a wet compress on the skin to soothe the skin and reduce itching. An effective wet compress can be prepared by soaking a piece of cloth in Burrow’s solution (this is an over-the-counter medication available at drug stores). Alternatively, you can also dip the cloth in a solution containing 1:10 parts of water and vinegar, respectively.

• You can also use over-the-counter corticosteroids and antihistamines; however, it’s best to consult a doctor before using these medicines.

• Identify and avoid all nickel-containing substances that can cause the allergy to flare up.