If being allergic to money sounds far fetched to you, think again. Such an allergy does in fact exist—and it's triggered by the nickel coin.

These silver five-cent pieces are created using a combination of metals, and one of these substances-nickel—can cause sensitive people to break out in an itchy rash called allergic contact dermatitis.

The Facts about Nickel Allergy

Of course it's not only coins that can cause this reaction. Many common household products also contain nickel. Please review the following list of products that can also cause a similar reaction.

  • Keys
  • Pens
  • Jewelry
  • Zippers, snaps and hooks
  • Belt buckles
  • Eyeglasses
  • Cooking utensils
  • Hardware tools
  • Braces, dentures and dental crowns

Common Cause of Nickel Allergy

Some people could find their nickel allergy is all in the family, since they may have inherited it from their parents or other close relatives. In other cases, a nickel allergy comes from early exposure through body piercing, as many jewelry products contain nickel and can cause sensitive skin to react strongly.

Nickel Allergy Signs

If you have a nickel allergy, exposure to this metal will cause your immune system to kick in and create a reaction. The symptoms can take anywhere from about 12 hours to two days to appear. Often, the rash will occur where your skin came into contact with the item that caused it, but occasionally, the symptoms can appear on other parts of your body. Please make a note of some of the typical nickel allergy signs, which are listed below. 

  • Red or irritated skin
  • Rash that resembles poison ivy
  • Itchiness
  • Blistering and/or drainage in severe cases. (Note that this can warrant emergency medical attention.)

What to Do

If you experience any of these symptoms of a nickel allergy, there are several things you can do. First, you'll want to try to avoid nickel-containing items as best you can. For instance, look for jewelry that says it's nickel-free. Or, if you're unsure, you can buy an inexpensive kit that'll enable you to test products for nickel.

Also keep in mind that if you do need to use some nickel products, you don't have to suffer in the process. There are some easy steps you can take to protect yourself during the contact. For instance, wear an undershirt to keep your pants snap and zipper from touching your skin. And make sure that the metal part of your glasses never touches your face or your fingers as you slip them on and off.

Further, if you do experience a reaction, it's probably time to see your doctor. He can prescribe a medicated cream that can soothe your skin. Or in serious cases, you may need a prescription to help counter the allergy effects. With a little strategic planning, you can avoid the itch, so that you and nickel products can safely co-exist.

Sources:

The Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nickel-allergy/DS00826/DSECTION=risk%2Dfactors

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)

http://www.aaaai.org/patients/elements/2009/01/0109_elements.pdf