If you suffer an allergy from artificial jewellery and a doctor finds your allergy as a cause of nickel content in the jewellery, then he or she will conduct a patch test. A doctor applies a small proportion of allergens that contain nickel over a patch and then applies it to your skin. It will be under observation for 48 hours to verify any allergic symptoms. If your skin appears irritated, it indicates that you may suffer from an artificial jewellery allergy or nickel allergy.
There is no permanent cure for nickel allergy. However, the first step to treat nickel allergy is to avoid direct or indirect exposure to nickel. Home remedies such as wet compresses and moisturising lotion or calamine lotion may calm the allergic reaction. However, if home remedies do not help, seek medical assistance immediately.
The doctor may recommend one of the following medicines to reduce the nickel allergy:
- Non-steroidal cream – This includes betamethasone dipropionate and clobetasol. Its long-term application causes skin thinning.
- Corticosteroid cream – This includes tacrolimus. The side-effect of applying this topical cream is a stinging sensation at the application area.
- Oral antihistamines and corticosteroids – Doctors prescribe oral histamines to relieve itching on the skin. However, it may not be effective.
On the other hand, doctors prescribe oral corticosteroids, like prednisone, in a severe allergic reaction or rash that has rapidly spread over a large area. If you are under this medication, you may expect side effects such as elevated blood pressure, mood swings, and weight gain.
Besides, several healthcare professionals may also prescribe phototherapy. In this treatment, your skin will be exposed to a regulated proportion of artificial ultraviolet lights. A doctor may prescribe this treatment if your allergic reactions to nickel do not recover from topical or oral medications. It may take months for this treatment to show its effects on nickel allergy.