Facial Rash

Facial rashes from nickel allergy are commonplace.  

From nickel allergy to eyeglasses to nickel rashes caused by nose piercings, the source of these rashes can be uncovered and treatment or avoidance recommended.
As with any allergic reaction, an allergist or a dermatologist should be the first step in diagnosing the skin rash. 
For informational purposes, outlined below are several types of facial rashes caused by nickel allergy.  There are numerous causes and solutions for facial rash, including nickel rash.  
Detecting nickel then avoiding it is always the solution to allergic reactions from nickel.

    Rash around the eyes, temples:

    • Eyeglasses: Rashes occurring on the bridge of the nose or near the temples where eyeglasses contact the skin may indicate an allergic reaction to nickel in the glasses.  This rash is easily identified and can be readily resolved.  Simply test the eyeglasses with Nickel Alert® to determine if there is nickel content.  If there is a positive nickel test, use Nickel Guard® to safely provide a strong barrier between your eyeglasses and your skin.  Follow the instructions to ensure maximum protection then repeat application as needed, avoiding any movable parts.  If purchasing new eyeglasses, consider titanium frames or plastic frames. If possible, test any metal on these frames before committing to buy.  Nickel Alert is safe to use on even the most delicate metal items. 
    • Cosmetic Tools: Using eyelash curlers or tweezers can create itchy eyes for many!  Even though these tools are used briefly, the contact may be sufficient to create a reaction.  To determine if metallic beauty tools are the cause of the problem, test with Nickel Alert. Plastic eyelash curlers are an inexpensive option, while tweezers may be more complicated.  There are a number of eyebrow tweezers that are marketed as nickel free, but testing with Nickel Alert would again be recommended if these products have caused problems previously.  We do not recommend that you coat tweezers or eyelash curlers with Nickel Guard.

    Cheek Rashes:

    • Cell phones: Facial rashes that occur on the cheek where metallic parts of a cell phone or cell phone cover may rest could be a result of nickel content in the phone or cover. Fortunately for nickel allergy sufferers, many modern cell phones and covers lack those metallic parts.  If using an older model or even a new phone with metal keys or embellishments, testing those metal pieces for nickel would be the first step in determining if the cell phone is causing a cheek rash.  Nickel Alert is safe to use to test cell phones, provided the test is carried out following the directions.  In these cases, replacing the cell phone with one that does not contain nickel may be the best solution.  Nickel Guard is not recommended for use on any movable metal parts.
    • Facial piercings will create the same kind of itchy nickel rash as ear piercings for anyone who is allergic to nickel.  In fact, facial and ear piercings are often the method through which an individual is sensitized to nickel.  Before any piercings, assure that the piercing instruments and the jewelry used are completely free of nickel.  Most salons are unaware that even gold and silver may contain enough nickel to cause an allergic reaction.  Test the equipment, if possible.  Nickel Alert is safe to use on any metal item.  Test the jewelry to be certain that no nickel will be introduced into the body.  
    • For anyone already experiencing uncomfortable rashes due to facial piercings, the remedy is simple.  First make sure the allergen is nickel – either by testing the jewelry with Nickel Alert or by seeing a physician specialist.  If nickel is the cause of the facial rash, some jewelry can be easily coated with Nickel Guard to provide a protective barrier between the jewelry and the skin.  If this is not a possibility, the purchase of Certified Nickel Free™ or Certified Nickel Safe™ jewelry from Athena Allergy comes with the guarantee to never cause a nickel allergy rash.  

    Chin rashes:

    • For musicians, rashes appearing on the chin could result from metallic chin rests.  
    • Studies have shown that many musical instruments contain nickel, including the chin rests on violins or violas. 
    • Wooden and plastic chin rests are more commonly used and would be an appropriate remedy.
    Rashes appearing on the facial area may have causes other than nickel allergy; a visit to a dermatologist or allergist is always recommended.
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