According to board-certified dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, nickel is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis: a skin rash or irritation caused by touching an allergen. In fact, it is estimated that more than 18 percent of people in North America are allergic to nickel, including 11 million children in the U.S., making it a widespread public health concern.

“If you have a nickel allergy, the best way to avoid symptoms is to avoid objects containing nickel,” said board-certified dermatologist Jenny Eileen Murase, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center. “However, this can be challenging, since nickel is present in many common household items.”

To avoid exposure and reduce symptoms, Dr. Murase recommends the following tips:

1. Choose jewelry carefully. It’s common for a nickel allergy to develop from wearing jewelry containing nickel. Earrings, earring backs and watches are some of the biggest culprits; however necklaces, rings and bracelets containing nickel can also trigger symptoms. To avoid exposure, only wear jewelry that is nickel-free, hypoallergenic, or made from metals such as surgical-grade stainless steel, 18-, 22-, or 24-karat yellow gold, pure sterling silver, or platinum. In addition, wear watchbands made of leather, cloth or plastic.
2. Check your clothing. It’s also common for belt buckles, bra hooks, and metal buttons, zippers and snaps to contain nickel. If your clothing has these, replace them with ones that are plastic or plastic-coated. You can also create a barrier between these items and your skin by coating the items with clear nail polish. However, the nail polish will need to be re-applied often.
3. Cover electronics. Recent reports suggest that some electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, and tablets, may contain nickel. To avoid exposure, always use a protective cover on your electronic devices.
4. Substitute household objects containing nickel with objects made of other materials. Examples include brass keys, titanium-coated or stainless steel razors, pots and pans with silicone handles, and titanium or plastic eyeglass frames.
5. Avoid foods containing nickel if you are extremely sensitive to nickel. Some foods that contain high amounts of nickel include soy products—such as soybeans, soy sauce, and tofu—licorice, buckwheat, cocoa powder, clams, cashews and figs.

“Rashes caused by a nickel allergy are not life-threatening, but they can be uncomfortable,” said Dr. Murase. “If you think you have an allergy, or if you have a rash that blisters, becomes infected, or comes and goes, see a board-certified dermatologist for the proper diagnosis.”

These tips are demonstrated in “Nickel Allergy: How to Avoid Exposure and Reduce Symptoms,” a video posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD’s “Video of the Month” series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the AAD website and YouTube channel each month.