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Nickel allergy is considered one of the common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. The telltale sign of a nickel allergy is the appearance of an eczematous lesion in the skin that comes in contact with nickel-containing objects. To diagnose, the doctor will base on the clinical symptoms to order a skin test method.
1. What is a nickel allergy?
Nickel is a silvery-white metal with a glossy surface, hard but malleable, spun or laminated. In nature, Nickel usually exists in the form of compounds with sulfur and arsenic to form ores.
Nickel is considered a very stable metal in air because it does not oxidize, is often used to:
Make stainless steel and corrosion resistant alloys; Use Nickel as a magnet, industrial pump or used to make rechargeable batteries, coins, electrodes; Nickel alloys can also be used to make jewelry such as belts, necklaces, earrings, rings or watch bands and buttons, ... Especially a small amount of Nickel also has in foods such as cocoa, coca cola, red beans, cashews, green beans, spinach and canned fruits,... Nickel allergy can occur in everyday life. This is an adverse immune reaction that occurs when someone comes into contact with a product containing nickel. If the agents are viruses and bacteria, the body's immune system will fight back to help prevent disease. As for people who are prone to nickel allergies, the immune system will mistake this as a dangerous invader and will produce chemicals to fight this substance, leading to an allergic reaction.
2. Nickel allergy symptoms
Nickel allergy is considered one of the common causes of contact dermatitis or metal allergy, which causes itching, blistering rash and redness of the skin. The telltale sign of a nickel allergy is the appearance of an eczematous lesion in the skin area that comes in contact with items containing this metal.
Common locations for nickel allergy are the wrist area (due to wearing watches, jewelry); abdomen or around the navel (in contact with buttons, buttons). The affected skin areas will have symptoms such as:
Severe and intense itching, accompanied by the appearance of red spots or hives on the skin; In the acute stage, people with a nickel allergy will see the appearance of blisters in clusters on a red background. When these blisters burst, fluid drains and then crusts are left; In the next stage, that area will become thick, dry, scaly, and hyperpigmented. If the patient scratches, scratches will appear; The rash will spread, become infected, the skin becomes burning and redder and may contain pus in the case of a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms of a Nickel allergy will gradually decrease and disappear if the patient does not come into contact with objects containing this metal. From the time of contact with a Nickel-containing object, the rash will appear within 12 - 48 hours and can last for about 3 - 4 weeks.
3. Nickel Allergy Diagnostic Tests
To diagnose whether a patient has a Nickel allergy or not, the doctor will rely on the clinical symptoms and history of metal exposure to appoint a skin test method. Nickel allergy testing will be done by:
First the doctor will put a small amount of metal on the patch; The patches will then be applied to the patient's skin and monitored for 48 hours to observe and check for signs of an allergic reaction. In case the skin surface is irritated and red, you may have a nickel allergy. Skin tests for the diagnosis of Nickel allergy are generally very safe and do not cause severe allergic reactions. This method only causes red skin in people with nickel allergies to help doctors determine the cause of the allergy.
Bị dị ứng Niken được xem là một trong những nguyên nhân phổ biến của viêm da tiếp xúc
4. Nickel Allergy Treatment
with other allergies, the best treatment for nickel allergy is to control symptoms and limit exposure to the causative agent, specifically:
Symptomatic treatment For acute, wet lesions, can astringent lesions by using Jarish solution or physiological saline. For dry lesions, the doctor will prescribe a cream, ointment containing corticosteroid ingredients for 2-3 weeks. Patients should apply moisturizer for dry, scaly or hyperpigmented lesions. In case of superinfection, topical antibiotics or systemic antibiotics must be used as appropriate.
Stay away from pathogens To treat a nickel allergy, the best method is that the patient should not come into contact with items containing this metal.
To know if the items contain nickel, a test kit is required. Kit includes 2 small vials of clear solution, one containing dimethylglyoxime, the other containing ammonium hydroxide. When these two solutions are mixed together on nickel-containing objects, a pink color will be produced. Patients can base on the results of the test to limit the use or contact of objects containing nickel.
5. Nickel allergy prevention
In order to reduce symptoms as well as prevent the recurrence of Nickel allergy, the patient should pay attention to the following precautions:
People who have been allergic to Nickel should avoid contact with items containing it. Nickel and metal compounds such as earrings, necklaces, rings,... If you are allergic to frames, you should use plastic frames. If you are allergic to the watch strap, replace it with a cloth or other more suitable material. Limit or should not eat foods containing Nickel to ensure health. In summary, Nickel allergy is a very common disease that does not affect life but will cause discomfort for patients and affect quality of life. Therefore, when suspected of having a Nickel allergy, it is best to go to medical facilities for timely examination and treatment. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the leading prestigious hospitals in the country, trusted by a large number of patients for medical examination and treatment. Not only the physical system, modern equipment: 6 ultrasound rooms, 4 DR X-ray rooms (1 full-axis machine, 1 light machine, 1 general machine and 1 mammography machine) , 2 DR portable X-ray machines, 2 multi-row CT scanner rooms (1 128 rows and 1 16 arrays), 2 Magnetic resonance imaging rooms (1 3 Tesla and 1 1.5 Tesla), 1 room for 2 levels of interventional angiography and 1 room to measure bone mineral density.... Vinmec is also the place to gather a team of experienced doctors and nurses who will greatly assist in diagnosis and detection. early signs of abnormality in the patient's body. In particular, with a space designed according to 5-star hotel standards, Vinmec ensures to bring the patient the most comfort, friendliness and peace of mind.
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