Symptoms of a nickel allergy arise from contact – usually repeated contact with items containing nickel.
Nickel allergy – common symptoms
The most common symptom is chronic itching – itch, itch, itch. The itching is often combined with a red rash, raised bumps and broken skin.
Itchy red rash around your belt buckle?
Itchy red rash around your watch?
Itchy rash on your hands/fingers? Any of these could indicate a nickel allergy.
How to confirm a nickel allergy
Your dermatologist will be able to perform a patch test to confirm a nickel allergy a patch test contains a set of patches with soluble allergens coated onto a number of seperated patches and placed on a sticky backing sheet. Basically the patch test is placed on your skin (for example on your back) and then left there (possibly for a day or two). A severe reaction to one of the allergens will show up dramatically – often with a raised red itchy patch immediately beneath the test for that allergen. One of the advantages of a patch test is that multiple allergens can be tested together. Your dermatologist will know which patch test to choose – and he/she may use a second test if nothing shows up on the “common allergen” test.
There are more detailed tests which carry a larger set of less common allergens and would normally be used if you don’t show an allergic reaction to the first test. Ask your dermatologist for help and advice.
WARNING !!!!
If you have a nickel allergy and are about to receive a joint replacement, such as a hip replacement, make sure your surgeon is aware so that they can contact the manufacturer regarding the nickel content of the appliance
This is based on my hip replacement surgery experience…..
It can also be in eye glass frames. I had it on my face and in my hair where the frames touched me.