NICKEL ALLERGY
What is nickel allergy?
How do you know if you’re allergic to nickel?
How common is nickel allergy?
What is the EU Nickel Directive?
How do you come into contact with nickel?
How do you know if an object releases nickel?
What is the difference between nickel contact allergy and systemic nickel allergy?
NICKEL ALLERGY
What is nickel allergy?
Nickel allergy is a form of contact allergy. When exposed to nickel, free nickel ions penetrate the skin and bind to skin protein. Sensitization (becoming allergic) to nickel occurs when the immune system treats the nickel bound in skin proteins as a threat, which happens when the accumulated exposure to nickel surpasses a critical threshold. This threshold varies greatly among individuals.
How do you know if you’re allergic to nickel?
Unlike most other types of allergies, contact allergies are not immediate but show delayed reactions, usually 12-48 hours after exposure. Once allergic to nickel, any exposure of nickel to your skin may result in an allergic reaction – Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Nickel allergy causes long-lasting eczema with skin symptoms including:
- Redness
- Itching
- Dryness
- Blisters
- Rashes
Contact allergy to nickel is diagnosed through a patch testing procedure, performed by a medical professional. For more information on patch testing, read more here: https://www.chemotechnique.se/patch-testing/.
How common is nickel allergy?
10% of the world population suffer from nickel allergy, divided by 17% of the world female population and 3% of the world male population. These figures may vary between countries. Among women, nickel allergy is most common in the age group between 10-50 years old.
What is the EU Nickel Directive?
The EU Nickel Directive has been in place since the year of 1994, with a modified version implemented in the year of 2000. The Nickel Directive imposes limits on the amount of nickel that may be released from jewellery and other products intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin. These limits, known as migration limits, are: 0.2 µg/cm2/week for post assemblies which are inserted into pierced ears and other pierced parts of the human body; 0.5 µg/cm2/week for other products intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin. The Nickel Directive does not entail tools, coins and handles. Despite the regulations imposed by the EU Nickel Directive, nickel allergy remains a significant problem in the EU, as demonstrated by Jacob Thyssen, et. al.
How do you come into contact with nickel?
Nickel is the fifth most common element on earth. In its natural form, it usually occurs together with cobalt. In industrial form, nickel and cobalt are constituents of many alloys and platings, such as non-precious metals (stainless steel, iron and brass) but also precious metals (such as white gold and German silver). It is no exaggeration to say that as individuals living in modern cities or households, we are surrounded by nickel throughout our everyday lives.
Common triggers
How do you know if an object releases nickel? Allergic reactions both discourage and prohibit the affected from using, touching or coming into contact with everyday objects or accessories such as:
- Jewelry
- Belt buckles
- Watches
- Door handles
- Keys
- Shower heads
- Coins
- Fitness trackers
- Clothing zippers
- Mobile phones, laptops and tablets
- Metal tools
- Metal handles
If you are unsure about what triggers your nickel allergy – or just want to make sure you are aware of what objects in your surrounding you need to avoid – we recommend you start by purchasing a nickel spot test. Our Chemo Nickel Test is internationally regarded as the gold standard for nickel detection in objects. The test is easy to use and will give you an immediate indication on both whether an object contains nickel as well as the level of concentration.
What is the difference between nickel contact allergy and systemic nickel allergy?
Nickel is the most common cause of contact allergy. Once allergic (sensitized), the sensitization tends to be life-long. Nickel allergy not only affects the skin but also results in systemic manifestations. Systemic nickel allergy syndrome can have cutaneous (urticaria/angioedema, flares, itching), and/or gastrointestinal (meteorism, colic, diarrhoea) signs and symptoms. Studies have showed that besides avoidance of skin contact with nickel releasing items, a low nickel diet may benefit the management of nickel eczema. Careful selection of foods with low nickel concentration can help to control nickel contact dermatitis For more information on systemic nickel allergy and recommended diet we recommend this list of food stuff with high nickel content.