Definition
Nickel allergy is one of the most common variants of allergic contact dermatitis: following contact with nickel (or with accessories that contain it), the body of an allergic person responds with a violent skin reaction, characterized by itching and extreme irritation, comparable to the symptomatic picture of eczema. Nickel allergy can affect people of all ages.
Causes
Nickel allergy occurs as a result of an erroneous recognition of the metal by the immune system, which identifies it as a harmful substance for the body; therefore, to fulfill its duty, the body's defense system attacks the allergen (nickel) by developing a violent and sudden skin reaction. It is noted that nickel allergy tends to appear following a constant and excessive contact / exposure with the metal.
- Contact with nickel in an affected individual triggers a serious inflammatory reaction in which mast cells release large amounts of histamine.
Symptoms
The symptoms that accompany a nickel allergic reaction, typically cutaneous, are very similar to those of eczema: the skin, at the point of contact with an object forged with nickel, is swollen, irritated and dresses in highly itchy vesicles filled with liquid, which soon form crusts. Repeated contact with nickel promotes peeling of the skin and thickening, as well as giving it a more intense color (hyperpigmentation of the skin).
Information on Nickel Allergy - Drugs for the Treatment of Nickel Allergy is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Nickel Allergy - Drugs for the Treatment of Nickel Allergy.
drugs
As with milk allergy and allergic reactions in general, there is no real cure for nickel allergy: the only way to escape the symptoms of allergy is to avoid any contact with objects formulated with nickel ( eg rings, earrings, jewelry, spectacle frames etc.). To be considered, moreover, that once sensitivity to nickel is developed, allergy symptoms appear faster and faster, with variable intensity rashes. Generally, after nickel exposure, symptoms persist for 2-4 weeks.
Nickel is also found in some foods (eg cocoa, dried fruit, legumes, spinach, vegetable margarine, mushrooms etc.), therefore, in an allergic subject, it is recommended to avoid ingestion. The amount of nickel in the food is heavily influenced by the soil on which it develops, so it is not possible to associate a precise quantity.
However, in case of occasional contact with the metal, it is possible to take drugs to alleviate the symptoms, indicated especially when the allergic reaction manifests itself in a violent way. The drugs most used to control symptoms of nickel allergy are:
- Corticosteroid based creams (topical application), with a high anti-inflammatory action
- Oral administration of corticosteroids (for severe allergic reactions)
- Intake of oral antihistamines
Cortisonic creams : to be applied locally, directly on the point of contact between the skin and nickel. The application of steroid-based ointments gives relief in a few minutes from itching, redness and swelling.
- Clobetasol (eg Clobesol cream, Clobetasol PFA ointment, Olux cutaneous foam): this steroid drug is available as a solution, gel, foam or cream to be applied topically. It is recommended to apply the product twice a day, directly on damaged skin, paying attention to gently massage until the cream is completely absorbed.
- Betamesone dipropionate (eg Celestone, Bentelan, Diprosone): the drug is particularly suitable for suppressing inflammatory and allergic disorders. In the form of cream or ointment, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of cream directly on the point of contact between skin and nickel; repeat the application 1-3 times a day, depending on the needs and the severity of the symptoms. The same active ingredient can also be found in tablets with oral intake, the dosage of which must be established by the doctor based on the severity and intensity of the allergic reaction to nickel.
Oral corticosteroids : indicate yourself for severe allergic nickel reactions, if the rash tends to spread over large areas.
- Prednisone (eg Deltacortene, Lodotra): to treat the symptoms of medium and severe entities associated with nickel allergy, it is recommended to take the drug at the indicative dose of 20-30 mg. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Oral antihistamines : to control the most common symptoms associated with nickel allergy (eg intense itching).
- Fexofenadine (eg Fixodin, Telfast): it is recommended to take the drug orally at a dose of 60 mg twice a day; alternatively, take 180 mg of active once a day, with water.
- Cetirizine (eg Rinalgit, Leviorinil, Reactine, Suspiria, Zyrtec): available both in tablets to be swallowed and in chewable sweets. It is recommended to take 5-10 mg of active per day.
- Desloratadine (Ex. Neoclarityn, Azomyr, Aerius): this is a drug widely used in therapy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria. However, it can also be taken to control skin symptoms derived from a more or less violent nickel allergic reaction. It is recommended to start therapy by taking 5 mg of the drug orally, once a day; always continue with the same indication. The duration of therapy should be established by the doctor based on the response to the treatment and the severity of the condition.
- Hydroxyzine (eg Atarax): the drug is an antihistamine, anxiolytic and sedative, to be used also in case of allergic reactions to nickel. It is recommended to take the drug at a dose of 25 mg orally (or intramuscularly), 3-4 times a day.
- Levocetirizine (eg Xyzal, Levocetirizina DOC): the indicative dose for adults complaining of an allergic reaction to nickel is 5 mg a day. For children the dose should be reduced: consult a doctor.
Second-line drugs for the treatment of nickel allergy symptoms : when antihistamines are not sufficient to reduce itching or otherwise dermatitis in general, it is possible to take other drugs (which do not affect the cause, rather only the symptom).
- Tetracaine (or Pantocaine): belonging to the pharmacological class of local anesthetics, this drug is recommended to calm pain associated with itching, a typical symptom of nickel allergy. Before applying the product on the skin, it is recommended to thoroughly cleanse the affected area.
- Doxepin (eg Sinequan): it is recommended to take the drug at a dose of 10 mg orally, three times a day. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms. This drug is in the class of antidepressants; however, its administration on the skin has antihistamine properties, therefore it can promote healing from itching even in the context of an allergic reaction to nickel.
