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Nickel sensitivity
Instructions For Nickel- Sensitive Individuals
- If you are patch test positive for nickel, it means that you are definitely allergic to nickel and are likely to remain so for a very long time.
- Desensitization techniques, such as allergy shots, are not effective, so avoidance is your best defense.
- You will be especially susceptible to a rash when the climate is humid. This is because sweat leaches out the nickel from metallic objects around you, even though cloth and paints. Sweaty fingers can then transfer this nickel to other areas of your body, which may never have come in contact with any metal.
- Many metals contain nickel, including 14K yellow and white gold. Stainless steel is safe for you. This is because the nickel in stainless steel is firmly bound and does not leach out with ordinary contact.
- Use stainless steel or aluminum for all household utensils. Teflon coated utensils are safe for you. Substitute wood or stainless steel for metal chairs and arm rests, or put seat covers and cover metal with thick fabric.
- Many chrome-plated objects may contain nickel.
- Exercise caution with 'hypoallergenic' earrings and jewelry, as they have been known to cause a rash in nickel-sensitive individuals.
- You can develop a rash from contact with metallic bra hooks, zipper medallions, spectacle frames, ID tags, watch bands, brassiere under-wires or shoe buckles.
- To avoid this, substitute with plastic bra snaps and buttons, Velcro straps, all-plastic eyeglass frames, watches with stainless steel backs and metals buffed with grade "O" steel wool.
- When using coins, scissors, thimbles, sewing machines, needles, vacuum
- Cleaners etc, try to minimize contact to 3 minutes or less, or avoid completely. Coins can produce a rash if kept loose in a pocket for a prolonged period. Carry all coins in a wallet or a plastic cover. Protect your hands from umbrella handles, bicycle handle-bars, cigarette lighters, lipstick case etc. Minimize contact to 3 minutes or less, whenever possible.
- A rash on your face, neck or eyelids may be caused by the following: hairpins, curlers, bobby pins, eyelash curler, earrings, spectacle frames, metal pins held in the mouth etc. A lot of these items are available in plastic, which is a safe substitute for you.
- Avoid nickel-containing food items. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate nickel from your diet, it helps to remember that bar chocolates and foil covered sweets are the biggest culprits. The nickel is absorbed from your gut and enters your blood stream.
- When you go for medical or dental treatment, inform your doctor about your nickel sensitivity.
- Should you require orthopedic surgery with the insertion of metal parts, your orthopedic surgeon may decide that you need special metals if you are nickel sensitive. The same holds true for a nickel sensitive patient who needs a metallic heart valve installed.
- If you are exposed to nickel containing liquids at your place of work, use heavy duty vinyl gloves which are more protective. Nickel can leach through ordinary rubber gloves.