Wrist Rash

Is nickel allergy causing the rash on my wrist?

  • Wrist watches, bracelets, even some wrist-worn fitness monitors may contain nickel and cause itchy, red nickel allergy rashes. However, only your physician, dermatologist, or allergist can confirm if your symptoms are caused by nickel allergy. Your doctor can also prescribe treatments to soothe the rash.
  • Even small amounts of metal such as a metallic clasp may be to blame for an intense itch where the metal containing nickel contacts the skin. 
  • Fitness monitors or athletic watches may be a particular concern as perspiration is a conduit for nickel salts to readily reach the skin. Nickel allergy symptoms worsen in warm weather for the same reason.
  • Some reports implicate nickel found in the metal of some laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices for causing  allergic reactions on wrists and hands.

How do I know if my watch or electronics contain nickel?

  • All metallic items can tested for nickel content. Nickel Alert®
     is a fast and extremely accurate dmg spot test for nickel.
  • Nickel Alert is simple to use and is guaranteed to be safe to use for any metal item.
  • One bottle of Nickel Alert will provide 100 - 150 positive tests.  
  • If nickel has been detected, it is important to avoid that nickel in order to alleviate the nickel allergy symptoms.  

How can I protect myself from the nickel in my jewelry or electronics?

  • Avoiding the nickel in some items may be as simple as coating that product with effective barrier protection such as Nickel Guard®. For other items, nickel free replacements may be the best way to proceed.
  • Nickel Guard is a lacquer specifically formulated for use by those with sensitive skin.  While effectively forming an invisible micro-bond between the metal and your skin, it will not further inflame the skin with known chemical irritants Toluene, Formaldehyde, or Dibutyl phthalate.
  • It is recommended that Nickel Guard not be used on any movable parts.  As an example, watches having a bracelet band with movable links should not be coated with Nickel Guard.  If a watch tests positive for nickel on a non-movable part, such as the back of the case, it may be coated with Nickel Guard while assuring that this lacquer does not contact the crown (the movable stem used to set the watch).Bracelets made of a solid metallic piece may be safely lacquered with Nickel Guard.  

Are there products that do not contain nickel?

  • All watches offered by Athena Allergy are Certified Nickel Free™ or Certified Nickel Safe™ which means they are guaranteed to never test positive for nickel and to never cause a nickel allergic reaction.  
  • All our products are batch-tested to assure there is no nickel in the base metal or any plating. At this writing, we offer Certified Nickel Safe bracelets for sale.  These bracelets come with the guarantee to never cause a nickel allergy rash.
  • Whenever possible, purchase goods from a trusted source!

 

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