There is no cure for nickel allergy and the best way to prevent nickel allergy is to follow certain preventive guidelines.
Best Exercises/Activities For Nickel Allergy
There is no permanent treatment for nickel allergy. The best preventive activity for nickel allergy is to completely avoid the nickel. Nickel has imbibed in our daily life in such an extent that avoiding this metal is just next to impossible. However, with effective preventive therapy, allergic reactions because of nickel can be avoided. Following are some of the tips to avoid nickel allergy:
Avoid Nickel Jewelry: Various jewelry items contain nickel. An individual should choose their jewelry preferences wisely. Although earrings and watches are the common allergens, necklace, and bracelets may also contain nickel.
Handle Electronic Items Carefully: It has been found that mobile and electronic tabs contain nickel. An individual should cover the mobile to minimize nickel exposure.
Avoid Clothing That Causes An Allergy: Various clothing associated may cause allergy. These include buttons, hooks, zips, and snaps. The patient with a nickel allergy should remove these and may have plastic ones.
Avoid Food Contain Nickel3: Patient should avoid food containing nickel such as soy product, figs, and cashews.
Treatment For Nickel Allergy
Nickel allergy is caused when the individual who is hypersensitive to nickel gets exposed to it. The exact cause of this condition is not known but the condition is said to have some hereditary attached to it. The condition occurs due to a hyperactive immune system and the inflammatory mediators generate into the body against nickel leading to various symptoms. Nickel allergy is considered as delayed hypersensitivity reaction and the patients experience symptoms 24-72 hours after getting exposed to nickel. Prolonged exposure to nickel requires medical intervention as this may lead to various consequences.
There is no cure for nickel allergy; medicines are prescribed to manage the symptoms. Following are some of the treatment options available for nickel allergy:
Moisturizing Skin: Moisturization of the skin reduces dryness and itching caused due to nickel allergy. Nickel allergy disrupts the natural moisturization of skin1. Effective moisturizers such as petroleum jelly reduce the early initiations of steroidal therapy.
Wet Compress: Nickel allergy is characterized by dry skin with fluid-filled blisters. Applying wet compress helps in relieving these symptoms. Wet compress is given by soaking the cloth such as a towel in water and applying the cloth at the affected site.
Soothing Lotions: Nickel allergy leads to contact dermatitis which is characterized by itching. Soothing lotions such as calamine lotions are applied on the affected site to reduce itching and improves quality of life.
Steroidal Creams: In severe cases, most doctors prescribe steroidal cream that helps reduce the inflammation and itchiness in the affected side. Some common steroidal topical drugs contain betamethasone and clobetasol. However, it should be noted that prolonged use of these drugs may lead to skin thinning.
Topical Medications: Various topical medications other than steroidal creams are applied to prevent the infection. These are immunosuppressive drugs that suppress the immune system. These drugs include tacrolimus and pimecrolimus. It is to be noted that these drugs may increase the risk of infection.
Oral Medications: Oral medications also help in managing the symptoms of nickel allergy. These drugs include oral antihistamine and oral steroids. Oral steroids and oral antihistamine are used when the symptoms spread to a larger area. Prednisone is most commonly given. Steroidal drugs may have side effects such as weight gain and increased blood pressure. Antihistamine includes fexofenadine and levocetirizine.
Phototherapy2: When other treatment failed to deliver the desired result, the doctor advises the patient to undergo phototherapy. This therapy is also known as light therapy and involves the use of UV radiations. It takes a long time to have improvement with phototherapy.
Conclusion
Nickel is found extensively in various products. The activities that prevent the recurrence of nickel include avoiding nickel-containing jewelry, food containing nickel, and substitute for nickel in clothing.
