I have a Stomach Rash - Is it nickel allergy?

So you think you have a nickel allergy? Nickel allergy symptoms most often include a red rash that itches intensely, but may also be characterized by blisters, swelling and red dry patches on the skin that may become cracked and leathery if left untreated.  Image of Nickel Allergy caused by nickel in belt buckle.
  • Nickel allergy symptoms most often include a red rash that itches intensely, but may also be characterized by blisters, swelling, and red dry patches on the skin that may become cracked and leathery if left untreated
  • If the rash location is at the point of contact with metal such as jean rivets or a belt buckle, it is likely an allergy to metal with nickel allergy being the most common by far.
  • Nickel sulfate is transferred from metal to the skin via perspiration.  Tucking in a shirt or even sewing fabric over the metal does not prevent this transfer to the skin
  • While these are strong indicators of nickel allergy, only your dermatologist or allergist can diagnose allergic contact dermatitis to nickel             

Is there a cure for nickel allergy?

  • At this time, the only treatment for nickel allergy is avoidance of nickel
  • Over the counter or prescription products may be obtained for the relief of itching

 Is it possible to avoid nickel?

While nickel is found in many products, there are effective means for avoiding it:

  • Locate the source of nickel by testing for nickel with Nickel Alert®
  • Once a product is known to contain nickel, either protect your skin from that nickel with Nickel Guard®, which is effective for small items such as jeans rivets, or replace the item with one that is guaranteed to be free of nickel
  • We recommend replacing a belt buckle that is causing problems rather than coating it with Nickel Guard.  If you are trying a nickel free belt for the first time, we recommend starting with a zinc alloy buckle. They are the most cost effective.  If you have know multiple metal allergies or extremely sensitive skin, we recommend Titanium or Carbon Fiber belt buckles.
  • If replacing a product, be sure both the base metal as well as any plating material are nickel free.  Athena Allergy batch tests all product lines and provides the Certified Nickel Free™ and Certified Nickel Safe™ guarantees. 

Besides nickel, what else should I avoid?

  • It is wise to avoid chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate which can be found in ordinary nail polish and are known to create secondary contact dermatitis.  Some sources may recommend using clear nail polish to protect the skin, but it can cause symptoms to worsen.
  • There are rare instances when a person may be allergic to more than one metal.  In these cases, Athena Allergy will work with the individuals to secure the appropriate products.

 Where can I locate nickel free products?

  • While many manufacturers label products “hypoallergenic” or “nickel free”, these words may only refer to the plating of the product.  If the plating wears through and nickel is in the base metal, a nickel allergy rash will result for those who are sensitive
  • Athena Allergy batch tests each product line and guarantees there is no nickel in either the base metal or any plating for each of the Certified Nickel Free™ products.  Certified Nickel Safe™ products are typically surgical stainless steel which may contain nickel that is tightly bound and will not leach out to cause problems for anyone except the few individuals who are extremely sensitive.
  • Athena Allergy offers quality products for almost any occasion, style, age group, or budgetary needs
  • The Certified Nickel Free™ and Certified Nickel Safe™ guarantees mean these products will never test positive for nickel or cause a nickel allergic reaction

 

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