A red, itchy dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) – sometimes called “jewelry dermatitis” – is often the first sign of a nickel allergy. Later, tiny water blisters appear and ooze, and the skin becomes moist and sometimes peels off. If the condition remains over a long period of time, the rash will eventually dry out. The skin then becomes scaly and cracked.

Rashes usually begin at the site of contact, but can appear anywhere on the body. Areas most likely to be affected include:

• Hands
• Wrists
• Ears
• Stomach

Nickel traces can also be transferred from the fingertips to the eyelids, nose, ear lobes or other areas.

Patients who suspect a nickel allergy should consult with a dermatologist or allergist.

In order to diagnose a nickel allergy, a physician will compile the patient's medical history and a list of symptoms. A full medical examination will also be conducted.

If an allergy is suspected, the physician will perform a skin patch test. During this procedure, a patch will be soaked with tiny quantities of nickel. The patch is then applied to the patient’s skin for at least 48 hours before the physician removes it and checks for a reaction.

Rashes that result from nickel allergies often clear by themselves if the skin remains free of nickel contact. In some cases, a physician may prescribe a mild corticosteroid cream to clear up the rash and reduce itchiness.  

Skin that is damaged by contact with nickel must be carefully maintained until it heals. Moisturizers can keep the skin from peeling and cracking. Patients should watch carefully for any sign of infection, such as crusting and yellowing, weeping sores or foul-smelling skin.

There is no way to cure a person of a nickel allergy, although some people find they become less sensitive to nickel over time. Desensitization techniques, such as allergy shots (treatment in which increasing doses of an allergy-causing substance are injected into a patient over a period of time), are not effective, so avoidance is the only defense.