Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Nickel Allergy


Fiddle-Faddle

Recommended Posts

Fiddle-Faddle Community Regular

I'm curious--I've always had a major dermatitis reaction to nickel-containing metal, from earrings to necklaces to watches to metallic threads in blouses!

I had bought a blouse from the thrift store, washed it, and didn't see that the shoulder pads (this was a few years ago) were held by safety pins. I wore the blouse for three hours, and then had a skin reaction that kept getting worse over the next several days, even though I took the blouse off and didn't put it on again. I had to take benedryl AND put some major prescription cortisone glop on it to get it to quiet down.

I can wear my gold wedding ring and that's about it. At this point, even 14K gold earrings make me react.

Oh--not exactly on topic, but clothing labels drive me insane :blink: --I have to remove them.

Anybody else here have the same problem?


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



frenchiemama Collaborator

I don't have a severe reaction like that to nickel, but I do react. I can't wear any kind of cheap jewelry, it gives me a rash. I also have dyshidrotic eczema on my hands. I can only wear 18k yellow gold for jewelry.

Rusla Enthusiast

I have the same type of reaction and so does my sister. Except so far her blood tests are negative but we know that is neither here nor there.

StrongerToday Enthusiast

I have to get nickel free earrings. I rarely wear other jewlery so I'm not sure how I'd react.

kabowman Explorer

For years I could only wear titanium earings (I bought my own hooks and changed everything out myself).

I can now wear the nickle free earling hooks - nothing with a back, I think they are just too closed up.

I found nickle free watches!!!! I had to quit wearing watches and have been looking for several years now and finally found some. Wal-Mart brand, only $10. I bought one to test and for 3 weeks now, no problems AT ALL!!!! I am going to go back and get another one just to have something else. There were 6 different ones.

Fiddle-Faddle Community Regular

Walmart? Really? Wowee! I've been wearing a Swatch watch,b ut they're so darn expensive, and the straps don't seem to last long. Thanks!!!!!! :)

  • 2 weeks later...
bunnyfluff Newbie
Walmart? Really? Wowee! I've been wearing a Swatch watch,b ut they're so darn expensive, and the straps don't seem to last long. Thanks!!!!!! :)

Sorry, clicked too fast......fibro fog, ya know.

Anyway, not only problems with nickel earrings, but I finally made the connection to high nickel foods like soy, raspberries, lettuce and shrimp. I get terrible migraines from them, and have to eat them in rotation.


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Guest cassidy

My mom has celiac and dh and she also has reactions to nickel. It is crazy how all this is related.

Becky6 Enthusiast

I have not been able to wear nickel since I was a kid! I used to get a rash on my tummy when I was 10 and we finally figured out it was from my belt buckle that had nickel! I also started to get rashes on my feet and it was from nickel nails in the sole of my sandals!

WGibs Apprentice

I react to nickel also. I don't have diagnosed DH, but I do get a rash when I eat gluten.

As a kid, it was always annoying to not get to wear the cheap jewelry. And yes, I had the mystery belly rash too -- took me a while to figure out it was my belt!

I'm not convinced it's related, though -- I know a ton of people who react to nickel.

cultureslayer Rookie

There's not a direct connection, but when you have a screwed up immune system you usually have more than one problem.

I'm one of the few that are allergic to chrome as well. I even react to cheap sterling that's been made on the same machines as nickel containing metals. I have to order wire from one of a very few pro jewler's supplies that have a dedicated sterling setup. If I get sterling wire from the local bead store and use it for earrings it's not good.

I have a Ti watch. Get a good one and you will love it. Mine's a Citizen I got off Ebay. I got a sterling anklet for my medical alert charm (if I got the whole thing as a combined engraved set no returns so I'm getting an anklet and a dangle charm) and so far so good. The medical charm will be either aluminum or plastic.

Fiddle-Faddle Community Regular

I was told by a dermatologist nearly 20 years ago that the genetic markers for nickel allergy, asthma, and arthritis were all on the same chromasome. Anyone want to guess where the genetic marker for celiac is?

ladyx Newbie

My son has never been able to wear any snaps...His snaps on all his pants make hi belly break out and it was so hard when he was a baby because everything has snaps...I tried to sew cloth over them they work for a little bit but if he sweats at all he starts to get a rash. Is nickle in those snaps or could it be something else?

  • 2 months later...
Kate123 Newbie
For years I could only wear titanium earings (I bought my own hooks and changed everything out myself)

Where did you get the titanium hooks and how did you change them out? I have had to give up wearing all earrings--I have tried everything except titanium. I would like to try titanium, I miss earrings!

shai76 Explorer

I'm very allergic to nickel too. I have a titanium wedding band and I love it! It causes me no problems at all. I also wear a stainless steel allergy necklace, and it has not caused any reactions either.

indyceliac Newbie

nickel allergy here too.. even gold bothers me now..cant wear any earrings at all.

Kate123 Newbie
I'm curious--I've always had a major dermatitis reaction to nickel-containing metal, from earrings to necklaces to watches to metallic threads in blouses!

Before I commit to a fusion surgery with a titanium plate and screws, I have been on a search to determine exactly which metals I am allergic to --- since I can no longer wear any earring no matter what metal or combination of metals. (I have never tried titanium though.)

In my search for titanium allergy information I found this product on the internet and I am wondering if anyone has tried it. I would love to wear my earrings again and it sounds too simple to be true---but I want to believe!! I'm curious, has anyone heard of the product listed in paragraph below:

Nickel Guard forms an invisible micro-bond with the metal to protect you from nickel contact. One easy application to your jewelry dries quickly and provides lasting protection. Nickel Guard is safe and easy to use and will not harm even your most valuable items. Nickel Solution gives you the freedom to wear the jewelry you treasure!

darlindeb25 Collaborator

WEll, I don't know if our nickel allergy is related to celiacs or not. Lots of people have a nickel allergy that aren't celiacs. I was really surprised to see that food contains nickel, don't know why I was surprised, just never thought about it. I have had a sensitivity to earrings with nickel for some years now. Now, I break out in a rash when I wear my underwire bras too and am trying to find plastic replacements for the wires. Rings never bother me, but watches do, very weird huh. Deb

Lister Rising Star

i dont think its celiac related, but i too have a allergie to knickel its one of my only allergies, i break out in hives really bad if i wear a bad watch or something

ravenwoodglass Mentor

I have this allergy also. I also have DH. The allergy makes a great excuse to always buy top line jewelry :D

Girl Ninja Newbie

Me too. It's not very bad anymore, but it would cause sores when I was little.

amybeth Enthusiast

I have a senstitivity to nickel, also ---

just got my ears pierced and was concerned about finding only 14K gold posts or stainless steel posts......

the saleswoman suggested putting a thin coat of clear nail polish on the posts and then if there is any nickel in them, it would be like a sealant to protect my skin.

she indicated that she has done this for years to help with her nickel allergy and never had a problem.

interesting.

skbird Contributor

I react to earrings, but only ones of questionable metals. Silver, gold, the good stuff is fine. I get the excema on my hands sometimes, too, though can never figure what triggers it. I have good times and bad time with soy, don't like lettuce much (prefer spinach) and did get really sick after eating raspberries last summer, but thought it was because they might have been moldy. Hmmm. This is an interesting thread. Never reacted to underwire bras, or watches, though.

Stephanie

Fiddle-Faddle Community Regular
I have a senstitivity to nickel, also ---

just got my ears pierced and was concerned about finding only 14K gold posts or stainless steel posts......

the saleswoman suggested putting a thin coat of clear nail polish on the posts and then if there is any nickel in them, it would be like a sealant to protect my skin.

she indicated that she has done this for years to help with her nickel allergy and never had a problem.

interesting.

I tried the clear nail polish on the back of my watch. It didn't work for me. :(

The reason I was wondering if it's related to celiac is that I was told it's related to asthma (?!), and it does seem like all these autoimmune things are related...

indyceliac Newbie

The clear nail polish didnt work for me either.

I think its all related... the celiac, multiple sensitivities, tendancy to develop other autoimmune diseases..

I have a senstitivity to nickel, also ---

just got my ears pierced and was concerned about finding only 14K gold posts or stainless steel posts......

the saleswoman suggested putting a thin coat of clear nail polish on the posts and then if there is any nickel in them, it would be like a sealant to protect my skin.

she indicated that she has done this for years to help with her nickel allergy and never had a problem.

interesting.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - ShariW commented on Scott Adams's article in Frequently Asked Questions About Celiac Disease
      4

      What are Celiac Disease Symptoms?

    2. - klmgarland replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

    3. - Scott Adams replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

    4. - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      1

      My only proof

    5. - Scott Adams replied to Colleen H's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,908
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    ebrown
    Newest Member
    ebrown
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • klmgarland
      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
    • Scott Adams
      Based on what you've described, it is absolutely possible you are dealing with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).  Approximately 10x more people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity than have celiac disease, but there isn’t yet a test for NCGS. If your symptoms go away on a gluten-free diet it would likely signal NCGS.   Your situation is a classic presentation: a negative celiac panel but a clear, recurring pattern of symptoms triggered by gluten. The symptoms you listed—particularly the extreme fatigue, bloating, neurological-psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety, and even the skin manifestations like facial flushing—are all well-documented in research on NCGS. It's important to know that you are not alone in experiencing this specific combination of physical and emotional reactions. The only way to know for sure is to commit to a strict, 100% gluten-free diet under the guidance of a doctor or dietitian for a period of several weeks to see if your symptoms significantly improve. It is also crucial to rule out other potential causes, so discussing these symptoms with a gastroenterologist is a very important next step.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.