Nickel allergy is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash that will appear on your skin after touching what is normally a very harmless substance. This allergy is most commonly associated with jewelry – but it can also be found in other everyday items.

You may develop nickel allergy after only being exposed to it one time or after long periods of exposure to the substances that cause it. There are treatments that are used to help reduce the symptoms of this allergy. However, once you have developed this allergy you will always be very sensitive to this metal and you should do your best to avoid any contact with it.

Nickel Allergy Causes

What causes nickel allergy? When someone has an allergic reaction it means that their bodies immune system are unable to protect the body against the toxic substances, viruses, and bacteria that are associated with it.

People who are allergic to nickel will react to the metal when they come into contact with it. That is because their immune system is telling the body that it is harmful to them. Once someone’s body has developed a reaction to an allergen the immune system will forever by sensitive to it. Researchers have not understood exactly what causes the body to react to it this way.

Nickel Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms of nickel allergy will affect someone within 12 to 48 hours after they have been exposed and may last up to two to four weeks. The symptoms of nickel allergy that can cause contact dermatitis include:

Rash and bumps on the surface of the skin

Itching and sometimes severe itching

Redness in skin color

Dry patches of skin that can look like a burn

Blisters and draining fluid in severe cases