Why some people are sensitive to nickel or other metals is not clear.
It also discusses how a metal allergy can be diagnosed.
It is estimated that as many as 18% of people in North America are allergic to nickel.
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Surgical-quality stainless steelis often optimal because it usually contains a very low nickel content.
The more piercings you have, the higher your risk of developing an allergic reaction to one.
Diagnosing Metal Allergies
Contact dermatitis to nickel (and other metals) is diagnosed usingpatch testing.
Both conditions can cause swelling, redness, warmth, itching, and burning.
However, allergic reactions won’t improve with the use oftopical antibiotic ointments.
Often, that is the first clue that a person has an allergy and not an infection.
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American Osteopathic College of Dermatologists.Nickel allergy.
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