Body Piercing May Cause Nickel Allergy

A recent study suggests that body piercing may lead to contact dermatitis from nickel. This may help to explain the rise in cases of nickel allergy in recent years. The study also suggests that the use of metal implant devices, such as with joint replacements, may also lead to contact dermatitis from these metals.

What to do? The above study suggests testing for nickel (and other metal) allergies prior to having body piercings or joint replacement surgery. This would potentially detect an underlying allergy to the metal; the culprit metal could then be avoided, thus preventing symptoms.

Want to learn more? Find out about:

• Common Causes of Contact Dermatitis
• Evaluation of Contact Dermatitis
• Patch Testing for Nickel Allergy