Nickel Dermatitis
Nickel dermatitis is a common type of allergic contact dermatitis. It is the most common allergen found with allergy patch testing. Nickel allergy is more common in women. It can occur at any age, and once it develops, it persists for many years. The most common source of nickel allergy is after ear piercing and contact with nickel containing ear rings.
The degree of nickel allergy and the development of dermatitis varies. It may occur after a brief contact with a nickel product, or it can occur after many years exposure to a nickel containing material.
The dermatitis develops either in the area where the product comes in contact with the skin, or sometimes people develop blistering dermatitis on their hands and feet known as pompholyx.
Nickel allergy is diagnosed by the clinical history and by allergy patch testing.
The treatment for nickel dermatitis involves the use of potent topical steroids to the area of dermatitis. This may be used under wet compresses to aid in penetration, and to dry up the weepy skin. If the nickel dermatitis is severe or widespread, systemic steroids may be needed.
It is essential to avoid nickel containing metals once nickel allergy has been confirmed on history and with patch testing. To test if metal items contain nickel, a nickel testing kit containing solutions of dimethyglyoxime and aluminium hydroxide are mixed together, and in the presence of nickel, it turns a pink colour. Unfortunately desensitization to nickel with injections or pills is not possible. Nickel allergy is difficult to prevent once it occurs as nickel products are found so commonly in everyday use.
Dr. Ernest Tan
MBBS FACD
Consultant Dermatologist
Burswood Dermatology
87 Burswood Road
Victoria Park WA 6100
Australia
Tel: 618 9470 3064
Fax: 618 9470 4479Labels: Dermatitis
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