Nickel coins
Signs and Symptoms
With the high probability that one would encounter nickel during the course of day to day activities, it comes as no surprise that having an allergy to nickel can be a great annoyance. From eating, bathing, daily financial transactions to fashion, perhaps no other metal permeates our lives as completely as nickel. Nickel allergy induces contact dermatitis in individuals in the presence of nickel. When one touches the flush lever made of nickel, or dons a pair of nickel alloy earrings, or when handling a nickel plated pot, dermal contact with nickel can lead to a body response. Contact dermatitis or skin allergy is a very common occurrence with nickel allergy occurring in a large percentage (~30%) of the UK population. Rashes on the skin, redness, itchiness and in some cases swelling can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment. Extreme cases could result in scarring and disfigurement.
The first sign of an individual having nickel allergy is itching in a region that has had some contact with this element. These are usually the hands, areas where jewelry is worn, or the arms and fingers. Rashes follow after some time, with an increasing intensity of the itch felt. In sensitive areas like the ears and hands, frequent scratching may result in wounds and scars. In cases of nickel allergy in pierced regions of the face, it may cause an unseemly appearance. Piercings in the lips and tongue could lead to inflammation and soreness.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of nickel allergy usually comes after patch testing. Once contact dermatitis symptoms have been established, a patch is prepared by a healthcare provider containing spots of different dissolved elements and compounds. This is then applied topically (to the skin) and observed for any reactions. A further confirmatory test would then be undergone to specify nickel as the primary allergen.
Prevention and Treatment
Nickel allergy can be prevented by avoiding nickel. Although it sounds so simple, the propensity of nickel in our daily lives makes it almost impossible to totally avoid coming into contact with nickel. Nickel in lipstick, bra clasps, food and razors make avoiding nickel difficult. Some use gloves to handle coins and utensils. A woman in the United Kingdom applied nail polish to all her nickel coated jewelry and other nickel containing utensils.
Nickel allergy symptoms can be alleviated by corticosteroids, either applied as cream or taken orally, and antihistamine to relieve itching.
Conclusion
Nickel allergies are a common worldwide occurrence especially in industrialized countries. As the number of individuals with nickel allergy increases, so does the number of “nickel-free” utensils and metalwork. Being aware of object with nickel can prevent someone with nickel allergy from triggering it. Proper care, as well as coming up with ingenious ways to avoid touching nickel may allow one to still live a normal lifestyle.
References
- Das, K. K.; Das, S. N.; Dhundasi, S. A. (2008). Nickel, its adverse health effects and oxidative stress. Indian J. Med. Res. 128: 117–13
- Levy, Andrew. 2010. Housewife with nickel allergy forced to coat everything in nail varnish to protect herself. Dailymail retrieved at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1269494/Nickel-allergy-forces-housewife-coat-nail-varnish.html#ixzz1SABIX5pW