Nickel is the most common cause of metal allergies.
And its being increasingly tied to several types of autoimmune disease.
Researchers are looking into common underlying mechanisms to understand how the two may be related.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Nickel Allergy
Nickel is a common metal.
Once youve been exposed to nickel, allergy symptoms can take three days or more to appear.
Symptoms can range from mild to disabling, depending on how sensitive you are.
Symptoms may include:
These signs usually only appear where the nickel touches your skin.
Your sweat and other bodily fluids can leach nickel from stainless steel and other alloys.
Once youre sensitized to it, even small amounts of nickel exposure may be a problem.
How Allergies Work
Allergies are a misfire of your immune system.
It then tries to rid your body of it, which is what leads to inflammation and other symptoms.
The immune response involves sending specialized cells to go after the target substance.
In autoimmunity, your immune system tries to destroy a part of your body.
The throw in of cell or tissue subjected to this friendly fire depends on the specific disease.
For example:
Symptoms of autoimmunity vary by disease.
Some symptoms they have in common are:
Researchers havent yet uncovered the cause of autoimmune diseases.
But its believed to involve a genetic predisposition plus exposure to something that confuses your immune system.
Several studies have noted a link between nickel allergies and autoimmune disease.
The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IOAMT) reported that metal can cause inflammation.
And that inflammation can lead to the development of both allergic and autoimmune diseases.
A 2020 review of research found that metals may suppress or damage the immune system.
That may lead to allergies and/or autoimmunity, depending on your susceptibility.
Most patients with allergic contact dermatitis to nickel tolerate medical and dental implants that contain some nickel.
Some of these include:
Nickel allergy is well treated by avoiding nickel contact.
Whether nickel avoidance affects autoimmune conditions has not been proven.
Treatments
Treatments are available for both allergic contact dermatitis due to nickel and autoimmune conditions.
Avoiding nickel can help prevent future rashes from occurring.
For autoimmune diseases, the primary treatments are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs.
Your healthcare provider may also suggest other medications depending on your disease, symptoms, and severity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is it to be allergic to nickel?
This may be due to higher rates of pierced ears and jewelry wearing by women in general.
People usually become aware of a nickel allergy right after getting their ears pierced.
Is nickel allergy life-threatening?
Can autoimmunity be cured?
No, autoimmune diseases cant be cured.They can often be successfully managed with medication.
Research into possible cures is ongoing.
Summary
Nickel allergy may lead to autoimmune disease.
Nickel is widely used in everyday items plus medical devices and implants.
Allergies develop after prolonged exposure causes the immune system to misfire.
Autoimmune disease is due to the immune system mistaking something harmless for something threatening.
Nickel allergy may be managed by avoiding nickel exposure.
Living with and managing these conditions may not be easy, but it is possible.
Your doctor can help you work out the best treatment plan.
2020;20(7):1032-1040. doi:10.2174/1871530320666191231115437
Cleveland Clinic.Nickel allergy.
Nickel Institute.What do you better know about nickel allergy?
Johns Hopkins Medicine.What are common symptoms of autoimmune disease?
Stejskal V, Reynolds, TM.Metal allergy - the missing link in autoimmune connective tissue disorders?.
Poster presented at: 2013 Controversies in rheumatology & autoimmunity (CORA); Budapest, Hungary.
International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).Autoimmune disease and metal implants and devices.
Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing.What the deal with autoimmune disease?
Published 2014 Sep 3. doi:10.1038/ncomms5741
