ALLERGY TO NICKEL - WHAT DOES IT DO?

Allergy to Nickel and other metals is very common

Allergy or hypersensitivity to metals like Nickel is very common. Although most people are not aware that they have this allergy, it affects 10-15% of the population, or almost 700 million people worldwide!

Most people learn they are allergic to Nickel (or to similar metals, like Chromium or Cobalt), because their skin breaks out and gets eczema type rashes when it gets in contact with specific objects, through a "contact allergic reaction". This is however just one of the ways that allergy to Nickel can manifest itself and affect someone's life!

NICKEL ALLERGY

Which everyday items may trigger a contact eczema?

> Jewelry: necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets

> Watches

> Belts

> Clothing buttons

> Zippers

> Eye glasses

> Razor blades

> ...

Allergy to Nickel and other metals is the root cause or an aggravating factor in many common eczema and dermatitis conditions

As illustrated below, allergy to Nickel and other metals indeed is involved or associated with many common types of eczema and dermatitis. And people most often do not even know that this allergy is a key factor of their condition! Such conditions include:

  • Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis (eczema), triggered by many everyday items, to pollution, to professional materials (construction materials....)
  • Stomatitis (inflammation of the oral mucosa) and peri-oral dermatitis, caused by the body or skin reaction to Nickel, Chrome or Cobalt present in braces, body implants, or when one brings the metal allergens to or around the mouth with one's fingers, aften they themselves have been in contact with metals allergens
  • Dyshidrosis, or dyshidrotic eczema, is a very invalidating type of eczema; about 30-50% people with dyshidrosis are also allergic to Nickel, wich is 3-5 times higher than in the general population
  • Non localised atopic dermatitis symptoms
  • A number of specific and more rare conditions such as the Baboon syndrome

In all these conditions the allergy then is either:

  • The root cause of the eczema / dermatitis
  • A common factor making one more likely to break-outs
  • A common factor that contributes to maintain the skin in an inflamed state (i.e., with a rash) and to slow down skin recovery
  • Any combination of the above!

Source: Skintifique, WHO, Antico & Soana, Allergy Rhinol 6:e56–e63, 2015; doi: 10.2500/ar.2015.6.0109) , Thyssen et al, Contact Dermatitis 2010: 62: 75–87 ; Jurardo-Palomo et al, 2011, Epidemiology of Contact Dermatitis, Contact Dermatitis; Yamaguchi et al J Dermatol Sci 2013 Dec 72(3): 240-5.

So what does it mean for me?

If you are concerned with any of the eczema and dermatitis related conditions mentioned above, you should definitely consider the possibility that you have an allergy to Nickel and other metals (Chromium, Cobalt).

To know for sure, you should ask a dermatologist or an allergist to do a specific diagnostic. The most common ones are called "Patch Tests", or "contact hypersensitivity tests". For these tests, small quantities of potential allergens (including Nickel, Chrome and Cobalt) are applied to the skin usually on the upper back. The patches must stay on for 48 hours. After removing the patches, if the skin is inflamed, then you are confirmed allergic to the metals.

If your skin reacts to the above items, and if you have been diagnosed to be allergic to Nickel (or Chromium, or Cobalt), you may use Skintifique's Protective Cream or, for a full routine, the Nickel Allergy Relief Pack. Thanks to the exclusive CapturifiqueTM technology, the Protective Cream and the Moisturizing Lotion can trap metal allergens at the surface of the skin and prevent them from entering into the skin; consequently, they prevent or limit the skin break-out and rashes, even when the skin has been in contact with items that contain the Nickel or other metal allergens.

1 exclusive

technology

Capturifique™

CAPTURES Nickel allergens before they penetrate into the skin

Technologies

& patents

Skintifique's scientists developed Capturifique™, a breakthrough technology that makes our products truly unique for people with Nickel, Chromium and Cobalt allergy!

Strengthens

the skin natural barrier to prevent Nickel, Chromium and Cobalt from entering the skin and triggering allergic reactions and rashes

Limits or prevents

skin sensitization to Nickel, Chromium and Cobalt. By preventing these allergens from entering the skin, CAPTURIFIQUE™ acts on the root cause of the rashes and not just simply on the symptoms

1 unique

technology

Capturifique™

CAPTURE Nickel allergens before they penetrate into the skin

Use the button below to discover Skintifique's exclusive selection of products for people with skin that is reactive to Cobalt!

YOUR SKIN IS REACTIVE TO NICKEL?

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