Prophylaxis of nickel allergy | The Nickel Allergy

Prophylaxis of nickel allergy

As far as possible contact with nickel should be avoided, i.e. one should avoid wearing nickel-containing jewelry in any case. In addition, those affected should not choose professions in which it is unavoidable to come into contact with nickel, such as cashier, hairdresser, jeweler or dental assistant. In addition, it is advisable to protect the skin at every opportunity (using protective gloves or skin protection ointments) and to take care of it at all times, as small cracks and injuries to the skin can lead to a hypersensitivity reaction. Preventive measures against a nickel allergy should also be taken by people who are not yet known to be allergic, but who generally tend to have sensitive skin.

What is the course of a nickel allergy?

The nickel allergy itself, like other allergies, usually lasts a lifetime. However, the symptoms, such as contact dermatitis after prolonged contact with nickel, can be well treated and usually do not even occur if nickel contact is avoided. In rare cases, recurring eczema can occur even without nickel contact, which must then be treated accordingly.

However, the most important advice is generally to avoid prolonged contact with nickel and nickel-containing material, i.e. to pay attention to compatibility, especially with jewelry or implants. The course of the nickel allergy is usually favorable. Once contact eczema has developed, it usually responds very well to therapy with the appropriate creams and ointments and then disappears again quickly.

If those affected consistently avoid contact with nickel, it can be avoided completely that eczema develops in the first place. In very rare cases, nickel allergy leads to the development of chronic eczema, which requires continuous therapy with special skin care products or, under certain circumstances, UV therapy. Serious complications can only arise if the nickel-containing substance is inside the body, as is the case with prostheses, implants or dentures.

Epidemiology

Exact figures for the presence of a nickel allergy are difficult to determine, but according to estimates up to 10% of women and about 1% of men in Germany are hypersensitive to nickel. However, these have been declining for several years. This is due to the fact that since 1994, jewelry containing nickel must ensure that within two years of normal use of the jewelry a certain limit value of nickel released in the process is not exceeded. People with neurodermatitis have an increased risk of developing a nickel allergy.