Nickel allergy is a form of contact dermatitis (inflammation due to the skin’s contact with a allergy-causing substance or irritant). It occurs in some people when their skin makes contact with the silvery-white metal. It often begins after a person undergoes body piercing and wears jewelry with nickel content. Once the individual is sensitized (made sensitive) to the nickel, an allergic reaction (an inappropriate reaction of the immune system to a substance that, in most people, causes no symptoms) occurs and a skin rash forms..

Nickel allergy affects women more often than men. However, the rate of nickel allergy among males is increasing as more men wear jewelry and get piercings.

Those with nickel allergy may find that their skin reacts only on some occasions when it is in contact with nickel. A reaction is most likely when wet or sweaty skin comes into contact with items containing nickel that are not resistant to sweat corrosion. Nickel can also seep into the bloodstream from implants (e.g., surgical clamps, coronary stents) and prostheses.

Certain occupations are more likely to present a risk of sensitizing a person to nickel. These include jobs where a person is in contact with nickel, or does a lot of “wet” work, such as cleaning. Nickel can easily penetrate skin that is cracked and damaged from water exposure. Occupations that present a higher risk of nickel sensitization include:

• Hairdressers
• Cleaning crews
• Hospital staff
• Cashiers
• Food service workers, including cooks and catering crews
• Assembly line workers (particularly in the electronics industry)

Those who work in these industries may take special precautions, such as wearing gloves, to ensure they do not become sensitized to nickel. However, research shows that even intense contact with nickel is unlikely to result in an allergy when metal contacts skin that is dry and in good condition.