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General | |
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The element nickel is a silvery-white shining metal and part of our environment, e.g., found in plants and as a trace element vital to the human body.
Allergies are excessive incompatibility or defensive reactions of the immune system to certain substances.
The nickel allergy is the most common contact allergy. In the 19th century it was already known under the name galvanizing eczema [1].
Many metallic objects of everyday life may contain nickel and have skin contact, such as e.g. jewelry, rings, earrings, studs, chains, watches, spectacle frames, wristbands,
metallic buttons, zippers, scissors, razors, pens, cutlery, lighters, coins, guitar strings, smartphones, gear shift levers and toys. |
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When the skin is exposed to items containing nickel and also releasing it on the surface over an extended period, nickel ions can get into the body. The immune system of an allergic person
may mistake these as harmful and cause an allergic reaction. It may take months or even years until a sensitization against nickel may occur. Items containing nickel worn on the skin are often coated
with a protective layer to prevent the release of nickel ions. If this layer is damaged over time by use or wear, skin contact with the harmful nickel ions is retarded so that problems may occur later.
The skin of different body parts may react differently. For example a nickel-based coin can cause allergic reactions when placed on certain parts of the body, but not in the hand.
The typical clinical symptoms of a nickel allergy are a clear itch, followed by eczematous
skin changes such as redness, swelling and oozing blisters and later a dandruffs and crust formation.
Symptoms usually occur time-delayed (about 12 to 72 hours after exposure) and mainly locally, i.e. immediately at the contact point, but can spread to other parts of the body if the contact persists.
Highly concentrated nickel irritates nearly every human skin. For sensitized people small quantities of the allergen are already sufficient.
The nickel dermatitis is one of the type IV allergiesand is currently considered as not curable; it can, however, be prevented by avoiding contact with nickel releasing objects. The Nickel Test Sensitive offers you an easy, quick and reliable way to find out if objects release nickel or not. If according to the test result an item releases
nickel, you should absolutely avoid skin exposure. |
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