Are You Allergic to Nickel?

Are You Allergic to Nickel?

Have you noticed red, itchy spots on your skin when you put on a collar or restraint? It doesn't matter who you buy your toys from. All of us that make leather bondage and SM gear use rivets, D-Rings, O-Rings and buckles that are nickel plated, and you may have a nickel allergy.
Nickel Allergy Defined Nickel allergy is a form of dermatitis called allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) - to nickel. Dermatitis, simply put is inflammation of your skin or a rash. The rash can have the following characteristics: red, itchy, swelling, welts or hives, and cracks or fissures.
Did You Know? Nickel produces more allergic reactions than all other metals combined. Nickel salts from the jewelry actually penetrate the skin and cause the sensitization then ultimately an allergic reaction. Once an individual is sensitized to nickel via repeated exposure, the rash or inflammatory response appears each time nickel contact reoccurs. There is no cure for nickel allergy and it is a life long ailment. The only options are avoidance via detection and protection. Sensitization can take a week, month, or years to occur. That delay often makes identification of the nickel source difficult - hence the need to test all metal items you contact. Nickel Sensitization: Piercing of the skin is an obvious direct link of nickel sensitization. Injury of the skin via piercing followed by prolonged direct contact to nickel (the nickel containing piercing stud) is a well known cause of sensitization. Studies of youth with pierced ears have nickel allergy at an alarming 31% rate. While only 2% of youth without pierced ears have nickel allergy. Nickel & Allergies: Nickel is in a majority of metal items we use because it is inexpensive and adds durability as well as luster to other metals. Why do items once "safe" to wear suddenly cause problems? It is because many items are plated or have overlays. Costume jewelry, for example, often uses a nickel alloy as the base metal, then uses an overlay or plating process to cover the nickel containing base metal. Once the coating wears thin, even microscopically, the nickel allergy problems begin. Test your jewelry regularly, even the "safe" items. Gold and silver jewelry are often the culprit because they too often contain nickel for durability. Weather can also impact nickel allergy. In summer months for example, the added perspiration aids the transfer of nickel salts (the true culprit) to the skin. Demographics of Nickel Allergy: Traditionally women are more affected because they wear more jewelry and have been pierced more often. This is changing with more men getting pierced. Nickel allergy can develop at any age and often lasts a lifetime. Studies have shown that women ages 16-30 have the highest incidents of nickel allergy. Workplace exposure also should be reviewed. Hairdressers, bar staff, and metal workers are more likely to develop nickel allergy. Consider testing the metal items at work - after all, we spend 1/3 of our time there! Nickel Free & Hypoallergenic Jewelry: These phrases mean different things to manufactures. Some define "nickel-free" as free of nickel in the plating or overlay but utilize nickel alloys in the base metal. When the plating or overlay wears, even microscopically, an allergic reaction can occur. All metal items should be tested on a regular basis. Don't let your skin tell you it contains nickel. Weather: Nickel allergy often intensifies or flares-up in warmer weather. Heat and moisture aide the transfer of nickel salts - the true culprit of nickel allergy.
Q	Why are my earrings bothering me now, they never have before?
A	Nickel allergy is progressive. Repeated exposure over time will cause nickel allergy to develop in some people. Another possible reason is that a plating or overlay on the item may have worn off.
Q	None of my metal items tested positive. What is wrong?
A	This is good news. A negative test provides valuable information. A negative test means these items are safe to wear. Continue testing all metal items you come in contact with on a regular basis. Make sure the metal items are clean prior to testing. Dirt or oils can mask a positive test. Test a nickel coin to see what a true positive reaction looks like.
Q	What does nickel allergy look like?
A	Nickel allergy appears as red, itchy rash and could have raised welts.
Q	How do I know if I am allergic to nickel?
A	You should consult your physician to be tested. Nickel Alert is not a test for nickel allergy.
Q	Can I test my skin for nickel allergy with Nickel Alert?
A	No. Nickel Alert is not intended as a test for nickel allergy. Please use only as directed.
Q	Can I apply Nickel Guard to my skin?
A	No. Nickel Guard is not intended for application to skin. Please use only as directed.
Q	How many uses or tests are in Nickel Alert?
A	You should be able to test about 50 items.
Q	How many applications are there in Nickel Guard?
A	There is no definitive answer to this question. It is dependent on the area covered of each item.
Q	What does a positive test result look like?
A	Any pink on the cotton applicator indicates nickel is present. A nickel coin contains 25% nickel and will illicit a classic positive reaction. (See photo to the right).
Q	What if the cotton applicator is brown?
A	A brown color indicates dirt or oil. Clean the item with rubbing alcohol or soap and water and test again in a few minutes.
Q	What if the cotton applicator turns yellow?
A	A yellow color indicates Cobalt. Cobalt too causes allergies, though not as often, and should be protected with Nickel GuardTM.
Q	How often should I re-apply Nickel Guard?
A	It depends on use. If you are wearing the item regularly and in hot or moist conditions re-application more frequently will be necessary.
Q	Where can I buy Nickel GuardTM or Nickel AlertTM?
A	Check Athena Allergy Website for retailers, and Athena Allergy Product News Release.
Q	Are there other products available to protect my skin against contact with nickel?
A	U-40 Perma Gloss, used to seal fishing rods, is sometimes used. Some say urethane is a rougher, tougher, safer way to protect yourself from buttons made of nickel. U-40 Perma Gloss is a urethane rod finish, meaning it was built to protect your fishing rod from the elements. This stuff is super strong and long lasting. Build a barrier between you and your buttons or jewelry made of nickel. Brush on a few coats of U-40 Perma Gloss with a Q-tip. Check fishing supply retailers, like Cabela's, for U-40 Perma Gloss.
	If you're looking for a hypoallergenic polish to cover your jean buttons or jewelry made of nickel, try Essie. It's ideal for those who are sensitive to toluene and formaldehyde resin. Protect your skin by brushing on a few coats of Essie Sensitivity Basecoat. It's built to last and is hypoallergenic. (Do a Google search for "Essie Sensitivity Basecoat"