SKIN PROBLEMS: NICKEL DERMATITIS
An itching rash covered in tiny blisters may occur at points of contact with watch bands, ear rings, and costume jewelry, and then spread widely over the surrounding skin in people who have become sensitive to nickel. This is much more likely to occur when there is excessive perspiration, so that the skin is moist at the point of contact with the metal. In some cases, furthermore, the dermatitis becomes so widespread that it is mistaken for scabies.
The latest news about nickel, Cutis (35#5:424) reports, is the mysterious appearance of dermatitis on the abdomen just below the umbilicus. Eventually, its cause was found to be contact with nickel buttons on blue jeans. In many cases, the dermatitis had also spread to other parts of the body. More often than not, treatment of this condition involves nothing more than replacing the button, watch band, etc., with an item made of another material. If the rash is severe and widespread, however, a visit to the dermatologist for special medication is required.
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