About Nickel Allergy: May 2012 Archives

If you've been trying to improve your diet, but are wondering why you're experiencing  symptoms such as a rash (often on the palms of your hands or the outside of your elbow), fatigue, mouth sores or irritation, and/or muscle twitches, you may want to plan a visit to an allergist who specializes in food allergies.  These symptoms are characteristic of nickel allergy to food, and can be confirmed by a specialist.  While your doctor will have recommendations specific to your situation, some studies show that taking vitamin C, especially in chewable tablet form, and eating a diet high in iron may counteract the negative effects of nickel.

Unlike some foods that may result in immediate and even life-threatening allergy symptoms, nickel is cumulative, building up until symptoms appear.    Since there may be no way to immediately tell if nickel is causing problems, let your allergist make the call. If you've experienced nickel allergy to the metal in jewelry or belt buckles, there is evidence to indicate you may be at an increased risk for nickel allergy to food. If you are aware that you have nickel allergy, consider the Nickel Allergy Experts of NoNickel, an Athena Allergy company, as a great resource.  Along with current and knowledgeable information, we offer a stylish line of nickel free belts for men, women, teens, and children.  As jewelry is often a major concern for nickel allergy sufferers, there are beautiful handmade nickel free earrings, sterling silver earrings, titanium rings, and watches -all certified nickel free.

You will also find an extensive list of nickel-laden foods to avoid, in addition to foods safe for a low nickel diet on the websites.  With over forty-five years of nickel allergy experience, the owners of NoNickel.com and Athena Allergy are trusted advocates for those suffering with nickel allergy.    

Recently we've been hearing that some of these band members are being diagnosed with nickel allergy resulting in a huge impact in their ability to play their metallic instruments that contain nickel. 

The students, band teachers, and parents should be aware that while this is a growing problem, professional musicians have long considered allergic contact dermatitis an occupational hazard. Brass, woodwinds, and string instruments may all contain nickel.  The pressure, friction, and moisture related to sweat and saliva make nickel allergy symptoms worse.  When you add in the warmer temperatures of May and the fact that some of these concerts are held outside, you can have real problems!

Those problems are uncomfortable nickel allergy symptoms such as red rashes, bumps on the skin, moderate to severe itching, swelling, blisters, or crusting skin.  These symptoms are generally isolated to the area in contact with nickel.

In addition to the obvious concerns where metal touches a person's hands and lips, some guitarists are allergic to the nickel found in their guitar strings and violinists find their metal chin rest creates allergy symptoms.  Wherever there is nickel, there can be problems.

Diagnosing nickel allergy at an early age may actually be a benefit as there are answers available to help control the symptoms.  A visit to a dermatologist or an allergist should be the first line of defense.  Once  nickel allergy is confirmed, there are remedies for these musicians. Band instruments and other metals should be tested for the presence of nickel.  Minute concentrations of nickel can be easily detected by using Nickel Alert™ from NoNickel.com.  This product can show a positive nickel result in seconds and is safe to use on any band equipment.

Once the source of the problem has been identified, there are other resolutions.  Acoustic guitarists may select from bronze, copper, or nylon strings that should not cause allergic reactions.  Plastic mouthpieces are available for woodwind and brass instruments.  In some cases, wearing gloves may prevent an allergic reaction.

It seems that nickel allergies remain for life, so learning about this problem now can help these young people forestall future days of discomfort.  We at NoNickel.com are nickel allergy experts and want to help people find ways to protect themselves from nickel allergy.  We offer current information along with certified nickel free products on our website.  If musical instruments are causing problems, it is likely that earrings and belt buckles are doing the same.  We have some beautiful nickel free earrings along with nickel free belts and belt buckles for children, teens, and adults.  If there are favorite jewelry items that can't be discarded, we also offer a nickel barrier, Nickel Guard™ that will safely protect skin from nickel contact.  We are here to help!

With Mother's Day coming up on May 13^th, we enjoy the memories of special times with the exceptional women who have had a lasting and positive influence in our lives.  It's our chance to show our appreciation to them for being there for us; their sacrifices, wisdom, advice, and unconditional love that helped make us who we are today.

As we get older, we begin to see these praiseworthy paradigms as individuals, not just as our mom, aunt, or friend. A good start would be recognizing that she may be allergic to that fabulous jewelry found just for her. This Mother's Day, show the celebrated lady ways to avoid those miserable nickel allergy symptoms that come with wearing certain earrings, watches, or belt buckles. 

Maybe that fabulous jewelry is labeled "hypoallergenic" or "for sensitive skin", so it's a safe bet, right?  Maybe not.  In the US, these terms mean little as there is no standard being regulated by the government.  These labels may mean absolutely nothing, or they may refer to the coating of a nickel free overlay that will erode over time allowing the nickel in the base metal to come in contact with the skin.  It seems to us that these meaningless terms have discouraged the nickel allergic population to the point of giving up on wearing jewelry to avoid those telltale red, itchy rashes.

To restore the faith of those with nickel allergy, we created Certified Nickel Free™ products.  We test every one of our products to assure they are completely free of nickel and we guarantee them to never test positive for nickel.  Certified nickel free refers to the base metal and any overlay.  We understand nickel allergy and want to be a resource for those suffering with this problem.

Our nickel free jewelry line includes classic sterling silver earrings, stunning handmade nickel free earrings, many featuring Swarovski crystals, nickel free watches, and rings. We also offer nickel free belts and nickel free belt buckles.

Back to that fabulous jewelry - two suggestions:  safely and easily test for nickel using Nickel Alert™. If there is a positive test, protect Mom's skin by using Nickel Guard™, a lacquer designed to bond with the metal to create a protective coating. Another idea?  Keep that fabulous jewelry for yourself and buy Mom beautiful handcrafted, unique, and certified nickel free jewelry offered at NoNickel.com.

Celebrate your special loved ones in every way possible this Mother's Day!