Allergy Testing in Evansville IN helps people verify the cause of bothersome symptoms. Often, they are pretty sure what the problem is, but they want to be certain before they pursue treatment or start trying to avoid certain allergens. Many individuals deal with unexplained minor skin rashes and itching and cannot pinpoint the cause. Even when they know it’s connected to something specific, like jewelry, they may not know the exact component of the jewelry that is making them itch.
Nickel Allergies
When someone keeps having an itchy skin reaction to metal, Allergy Testing in Evansville IN most commonly turns up a nickel as the culprit. This inexpensive metal is included in inexpensive costume jewelry like necklaces and bracelets, as well as in watches, belt buckles and buttons. Items that fit tightly against the skin and are worn for a lengthy time tend to be most problematic. Earring posts and hooks, inexpensive rings and metal buttons on jeans are examples.
Symptoms
An allergist may suspect an intolerance to nickel by the appearance of the skin irritation and the fact that the metal is such a common allergen. It usually causes an inflamed rash where the metal had been touching the skin, but some people have milder reactions. They may just start feeling itchiness on the ears or fingers where the jewelry is worn, for example, but they might scratch compulsively enough to cause inflammation. Tiny blisters can develop.
Handling coins or keys containing the metal is rarely problematic for anybody with this allergy. However, writing or drawing with a pen containing nickel can eventually cause finger itching and rashes. People who use a cell phone extensively may start to develop small itchy bumps on their fingers or alongside their ears.
Testing
Patch testing by a doctor such as C. Steven Smith, M.D. can verify whether nickel is the problem or if some other metal may be the issue. Much less commonly, people have an allergy to gold. If they want to wear precious metals, they might choose sterling silver or platinum. Usually, simply not wearing any metal containing the offending material prevents symptoms from returning. Get more information about the physician online.