Entries tagged with “dimethylglyoxime test” from Nickel Allergy Information News and Solutions

If you have nickel allergy, you are probably all too familiar with gambling on whether a new watch/earrings will cause a rash....even if the jewelry is "hypo-allergenic".

Now there is a quick and easy way to test for nickel in jewelry before your skin tells you!  Nickel Alert is a nickel test kit for detecting nickel in watches, belt buckles, earrings and other metal items. 

Within 15 seconds, you can tell if your jewelry contains nickel.  Simply place a few drops of the solution onto a cotton swab and rub the metal area that will come in contact with your skin.  If the swab turns a pink/red color, you know nickel is present and to take protective measures. 

Nickel Alert is a ready-to-use dimethylglyoxime (dmg) spot test for nickel and works by picking up oxidized nickel ions.  The nickel test is pre-mixed and pre-measured for both accuracy and convenience.  This reduces mess and inaccurate test results. 

This nickel test is so sensitive that it detects nickel below the threshold of even the most severely nickel allergic individual.

Since the nickel test is quick, easy and safe to use, it is ideal to take with you on you next shopping trip to the mall.  Nickel Alert will not harm metal and can be used to test jewelry for nickel prior to purchasing. 

Save your money and your skin, order Nickel Alert-nickel test kit. 

Dr. Dennis Gross tests a cell phone with Nickel Alert.

Dennis Gross, MD renowned New York dermatologist speaks with Harry Smith from CBS's The Early Show about cell phone rash caused by nickel in phones.  Dr. Gross demonstrates how to test for nickel using Nickel Alert.

Nickel Alert is a ready to use dimethylglyoxime (dmg) spot test for nickel.  Nickel Alert is pre-mixed and pre-measured for both accuracy and convenience.  Nickel Alert quickly, easily and safely tests jewelry and other metal items like watches, jean snaps and cell phones to determine if nickel is present.

Who would have thought that your cell phone could give you a rash!

People who are allergic to nickel may have a difficult time with trendier cell phones.    A clinical study shows that more fashionable cell phones often contain nickel in the metallic accents. After using these cell phones, a rash (dermatitis) appears on the face and ear where nickel makes contact with the skin.

When possible, nickel sensitive individuals should test cell phones for nickel using a dimethylglyoxime (dmg spot) test before purchasing a phone or if nickel is suspected.  Test any metal on a cell phone, especially, logos, menu buttons and around LCD screens.

If your mobile phone tests positive for nickel, there are possible several solutions.  Ear buds, headsets or a speaker phone can be used in addition to a plastic cover or simply coat the non-moving part with Nickel Guard to provide a barrier from the nickel.

If you test and identify nickel in your phone, let us know and we will posit it here and update the list of phones which contain nickel.  Include the brand, model # and where the nickel was found. 

Proms, graduations, weddings, and Mother's Day-what do they all have in common? Beautiful jewelry and nickel allergy!

If you ever heard the phase "I can't wear cheap jewelry because I get a rash" that person probably has nickel allergy.  A rash develops after contact with metal containing nickel and may have the following characteristic(s): redness, itching, swelling, hives, and/or cracks.  The most common sites for nickel allergy are the earlobes, neck and wrist where metal touches the skin.  In children, one of the most common signs of nickel allergy is a rash on the central abdomen from snaps, buttons, jean studs and belt buckles.

Nickel allergy is the most common cause of contact dermatitis in the industrial world, particularly affecting females.  36% of girls under the age of 18 years are nickel allergic.*

During the spring and summer, special events like the prom, weddings, graduation and Mother's Day lend themselves to purchasing new jewelry for the big event.  What should you do if you are nickel allergic?

First, know that nickel is frequently used in metal and metal plated objects including gold because it is inexpensive, durable and lustrous.

Second, there are no federal standards of definitions that govern the use of the term "hypoallergenic" or nickel free.  Nickel free may mean that only the top plating is nickel free, but the base metal contains nickel.  Eventually, the plating will wear thin and cause a reaction.

Third, gold (yellow and white), silver, sterling silver, silver plate, palladium, chrome and cobalt often contain nickel.

When just the perfect necklace or earrings are found for the special day take these simple steps to ensure there are no ugly and uncomfortable rashes for the event.

• The key to avoiding nickel is to identify it BEFORE your skin does.  All metal items suspected of containing nickel may be EASILY tested with a dimethylglyoxime test called Nickel Alert.  Within seconds, Nickel Alert will detect even trace amounts of nickel.
• If nickel is detected, avoid generic nail polishes to coat the metal; they often contain toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate which can lead to further sensitization for nickel allergic individuals.  A safe alternative is Nickel Guard.  Nickel Guard is a clinically proven clear coating that successfully prevents exposure to nickel. It allows an individual to wear any type of jewelry of metal without triggering a reaction.

Fur further information about nickel allergy or to order Nickel Alert/Nickel Guard visit www.nickelsolution.com.

*Kornick R, Zug KA. Nickel. Dermatitis 2008; 19:3-8