Nickel Allergy Information

New Test for Nickel in Earrings-dimethylglyoxime (DMG) spot test

ATHENA ALLERGY INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE PRODUCT FOR WOMEN SENSITIVE TO JEWELRY

Women who have an allergy or sensitivity to jewelry now have a new option to protect themselves from nickel contact thanks to the launch of an innovative product by Athena Allergy, Inc. Available through on line retailers and skin care specialists, Nickel Solution is a unique two-part system that detects nickel in metal items and then protects against a rash, a side effect of nickel contact.

Research shows that 36% if US women develop a rash from wearing jewelry. Nickel, the culprit responsible for the rash, produces more allergic reactions than all other metals combined.

Studies show the increase in ear and body piercing has caused nickel sensitivity to grow at alarming rates. The problem is no longer female-specific; the rate of affected males is also rising. An allergy or sensitivity to nickel, a life-long ailment, can cause ACD- allergic contact dermatitis. They symptoms include a red, itchy rash that may swell. The skin can also develop welts or hives and cracks or fissures. The most common sites of nickel-related dermatitis are the earlobes, neck, and wrist, where metal makes skin contact. 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 is widely used because it adds durability to softer metals like gold and is a common component in the base metal of plated items. As plating wears, even in "nickel-free" items where nickel is still present in the base metal, exposure can occur.

How is Nickel Solution used? The kit contains two solutions: Nickel Alert and Nickel Guard. Nickel Alert is an up dated and consumer friendly dimethylglyoxime (dmg spot) test that tests for the presence of nickel - even in trace amounts. Two drops of Nickel Alert are applied to a cotton swab and then rubbed on the metal item such as watches, buttons, eyeglasses, jean studs and belt buckles. If the cotton swab turns pink, then nickel has been detected. The test takes less than one minute. Nickel Guard is a clinically proven clear coating that successfully prevents exposure to nickel. It allows an individual to wear any type of jewelry or metal without triggering a reaction. Nickel Guard does not contain toluene, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate which are common ingredients in nail polishes that can lead to further sensitization for nickel allergic individuals.

For further information about nickel allergy or to order Nickel Solution, visit http://www.athenaallergy.com/welcome.htm

Study Finds Nearly One-Third of All Inexpensive Earrings Examined Tested Positive for Nickel

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Dermatologists offer tips to avoid nickel-induced dermatitis

    SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- For the estimated 82 percent
of women with pierced ears, earrings are an important fashion accessory
that many women wear, and change, daily. However, a new study suggests that
women may be getting more than they bargained for when purchasing
inexpensive earrings. Nickel exposure from these earrings is a common cause
of dermatitis on the earlobes and repeated exposure can make treatment
difficult.

    In the report entitled, "Nickel release from earrings purchased in the
United States: The San Francisco earring study," published online in the
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologist Howard I.
Maibach, MD, FAAD, professor of dermatology at the University of
California, San Francisco, presented evidence that nickel exposure from
inexpensive earrings purchased from various stores and vendors is frequent
in the United States and does not correlate with the price of the earrings
within the "inexpensive" price range.

    "Sensitization to nickel is quite common in the United States, with
studies estimating that 5.8 percent of American adults tested positive to
nickel allergy through a routine skin test," said Dr. Maibach. "In the
early 1990s, the European Union Nickel Directive was passed in an effort to
decrease the prevalence of nickel sensitization in consumer and
occupational products in Europe, with results indicating the directive is
working. However, no such regulations exist in the United States to limit
nickel exposure -- leaving millions of people at risk for dermatitis from
common goods, such as earrings."

    For the study, Dr. Maibach and his collaborator, Jacob Pontoppidan
Thyssen, MD, purchased inexpensive earrings from 34 different stores and
artists in San Francisco in October 2007. Inexpensive earrings were
classified as those under $50; in contrast, expensive earrings were
classified as those made of gold or platinum available from fine jewelry
stores. A total of 277 earrings were purchased from four different
categories of vendors -- a downtown market with licensed local artists
producing custom-made jewelry; jewelry stores in China Town targeting
mainly tourists; national and international clothing and accessory chain
stores targeting mainly girls and women under age 40; and similar stores
targeting mainly women over age 40.

    All earrings purchased were examined with the dimethylglyoxime (DMG)
test -- a routine spot test using solutions to detect the presence of
nickel and other alloys. Of the 277 earrings that were tested, 85 (or 30.7
percent) demonstrated at least one spot that tested DMG-positive for
nickel. Dr. Maibach noted that the highest proportion of DMG-positive
earrings was purchased from local artists, with 69 percent of these
earrings testing positive for nickel. A large portion (42.9 percent) of
earrings purchased from stores in China Town also tested positive for
nickel.

    When the number of DMG-positive earrings was examined from accessory
and clothing stores targeting younger women under age 40 and those stores
targeting women over age 40, Dr. Maibach found a large discrepancy.
Specifically, 24.1 percent of the earrings purchased at the stores
targeting younger women tested positive for nickel; whereas only 1.7
percent of earrings from stores targeting women over 40 tested DMG
positive.

    "Except for one store targeting girls and young women where a
significant number of DMG-positive earrings were found, the proportion of
earrings that tested positive for nickel was generally higher among
individual China Town stores and local artists than in individual national
and international chain stores," said Dr. Maibach. "We also found no
correlation between the country where the earrings were manufactured and
the frequency of DMG-positive reactions or whether the price of the
inexpensive earrings correlated with testing positive for nickel exposure."

    Dr. Maibach added that in one accessory store, none of the 44 earrings
priced between $5 and $8 were DMG positive, whereas numerous earrings
priced between $15 and $25 in another accessory store were DMG positive.

    "From our findings, we could not establish a 'safe-limit price' as a
guide for consumers who want to avoid excessive nickel exposure when
purchasing inexpensive earrings," said Dr. Maibach. "But it's safe to say
that young customers purchasing earrings at a considerable price range in
U.S. chain stores are potentially at risk of nickel exposure and
sensitization."

    Studies show that nickel sensitization increases the risk of hand
eczema, but Dr. Maibach argued that avoiding nickel -- which is found
almost everywhere -- can be difficult. He acknowledged that there are some
patients with nickel dermatitis who refuse to give up their jewelry, even
when they know it is the cause of their condition. Since the best way to
avoid nickel sensitization and subsequent dermatitis is to prevent nickel
exposure, Dr. Maibach suggested the following tips:


    -- Look for jewelry and clothing labeled "nickel-free" or "hypoallergenic"
    -- Wear only stainless steel, platinum or gold jewelry if you know you are
       allergic to nickel
    -- Discontinue wearing jewelry that causes any noticeable skin irritation,
       such as redness or itching
    -- Use 1% hydrocortisone cream or ointment, which can be purchased
       over-the-counter, to treat nickel-induced dermatitis
    -- See your dermatologist if symptoms worsen or do not improve within
       three to five days of not wearing jewelry

    Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology
(Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most
representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more
than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing
the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin,
hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education,
and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for
a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact
the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology

Nickel allergy and the big day!

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 or 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 nickel even in trace amounts.

• 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 or metal without triggering a reaction.

For further information about nickel allergy or to order Nickel Alert/Nickel Guard, please visit www.athenaallergy.com

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

New Nickel Allergy Blog

Welcome to the home of Nickel Allergy Information, the official blog of Athena Allergy.

The goal of this blog is to provide up-to-date, relevant and accurate information on nickel allergy and offer potential solutions to "the most common cause of contact dermatitis in the industrial world, particularly affecting females."*

All comments are welcomed and appreciated.

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