Symptoms of metal allergy usually appear within six to 24 hours after exposure to metal. Skin reaction usually is confined to the site that directly contacts the metal, but it can spread elsewhere. This often is the result of transferring the allergen from the fingertips to another part of the body, such as the face, eyelids or genitals. Symptoms typically associated with metal allergies include:

• Red, itchy, swollen skin
• Blisters
• Crusts and scales
• Skin darkening, or leathery and cracked skin

Symptoms associated with metal allergies usually will begin to fade once exposure to the metal has been discontinued.