Nickel Allergy: Check Clothing Fasteners, Too
SkinArticleBring overlooked clothing contacts into the conversation about your confirmed allergy.
In this article
If a clinician has confirmed nickel allergy, jewelry may already be on your avoidance list. Clothing fasteners deserve a look, too. The American Academy of Dermatology1 says belt buckles, bra hooks, metal buttons, zippers and snaps commonly contain nickel.1
Bring the contact details
Note which fastener touches the affected area and which garments you wear regularly. Bring the clothing details to your dermatologist rather than deciding from the rash alone that a particular item caused it.
Ask: “Could these fasteners matter for my confirmed allergy? Which alternatives fit my avoidance plan?”
Clarify the replacement
AAD guidance discusses replacing nickel-containing clothing fasteners with plastic or plastic-coated ones. Ask your dermatologist how to apply that advice to the items you use; this article does not verify a product’s composition or guarantee that a replacement will suit your skin.1
If the rash blisters, becomes infected or keeps returning, see a dermatologist for assessment. Do not treat every new rash as your established allergy.1
Skin, Head to Toe includes a Skin Log and a visit script. Use them to organize the clothing contacts and questions you want reviewed. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- American Academy of Dermatology, UndatedNickel allergy: How to avoid exposure and reduce symptoms (opens in a new tab)abcd
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