Nickel Allergy Information News and Solutions

With summer just around the corner, it's time to get serious about managing those irritating nickel allergy symptoms.  When temperatures rise, so do the incidences and severity of rashes related to nickel allergy.   No one wants to spend their summer vacation sporting an itchy, red belly button rash!  It is surprising to learn how many men, women, and children suffer from abdominal rashes due to the nickel found on their belt buckles.  Add summer heat and long days of wear into this equation and uncomfortable allergic reactions result.

Nickel allergy symptoms generally appear as moderately to severely itching red rashes at the site of contact with nickel.  Other indications of nickel allergy may include dry and scaly patches of skin, blisters, and swelling.  Continued exposure to nickel may cause skin to change color and become leathery or cracked.  Skin infections sometimes occur as a result of the nickel allergy symptoms. The carefree days of summer are not a time to be weighed down with troublesome and unsightly skin irritations which escalate in warmer months as perspiration readily transfers the nickel salts from metal to the skin.  

NoNickel has solutions for anyone suffering with nickel allergy.  The first step is to identify the source of the nickel allergy, which may not be as easy as it sounds.  As nickel allergy is classified as Type IV allergic contact dermatitis, there could be a delayed reaction between the time the offending metal was worn and the resulting rash.  An itchy belly rash today could be the result of a belt buckle worn up to three days ago.

Rather than using one's skin as the nickel allergy indicator, it is more accurate and certainly more comfortable to use a nickel test kit!  A dimethylglyoxime (dmg) test is the industry standard for detecting nickel.  NoNickel's parent company, Athena Allergy, introduced the first commercially available nickel test kit in 2003.  Nickel Alert™ was also the first pre-mixed and pre-measured dmg spot test available in America.  Unlike the two-step test that may fail with user error, Nickel Alert is accurate and reliable in detecting even minute concentrations of nickel.

Once a positive test is obtained, steps may be taken to either replace the offending metal with one that is truly nickel free or to provide a barrier protection between that metal and the skin.  Nickel Guard™ is a lacquer formulated specifically for the needs of those with sensitive skin.  Its purpose is to provide a barrier so nickel does not contact the skin. Nickel Alert and Nickel Guard are available separately or in Nickel Solution™ a detection and protection kit considered indispensable for anyone with nickel allergy.

NoNickel also provides Certified Nickel Free™ and Certified Nickel Safe™ products for those who suffer from nickel allergy.  Both certifications come with the promise that the product will never be the source of nickel allergy reactions.

NoNickel's most popular sellers are their nickel free belts.  After suffering with abdominal rashes, customers are thrilled to learn these belts can be worn for long days with no concern about a nickel reaction developing.  From the Titanium Work Belt designed for hard-driving, physically active professionals to the more sophisticated Black Leather Dress Belt with a Titanium Buckle, every product line offered by NoNickel has been tested to assure there is no nickel in any metal part.  In this way, NoNickel can offer the guarantee that their products will never cause nickel allergy symptoms.  The belts noted in this paragraph may be seen in the pictures above, and more information about these and other titanium products are located on the Nickel Free Titanium Belts, Buckles, and Rings page at NoNickel. Titanium is considered a very safe as well as enduring metal for anyone with nickel allergy.

Over the next several weeks, NoNickel will be introducing several new nickel free belts. Available now is the Silver Square White Belt, pictured on this page and featuring a genuine leather strap that was handcrafted in the USA then paired with a Certified Nickel Free silver-toned buckle for a great new summer look!  Rolling out soon will be a nickel free belt with a handcrafted water buffalo leather belt strap that is so soft and supple it immediately has a comfortable lived-in feel.  More designs and new products are being introduced regularly, so shoppers are advised to visit often to see the latest and get the best deals.

Other favored nickel free products offered by NoNickel include their nickel free jewelry and nickel free watches, and even nickel free buttons and rivets that can be used to replace those on jeans and casual pants.  

Anyone hoping for a carefree and nickel free summer should visit NoNickel.com to see a full line of their nickel free (and guaranteed nickel rash free) products.

When our Nickel Free Titanium Work Belt in Black was introduced a little over a year ago, we kept hearing so many positive comments!  Our customers praised the genuine leather belt strap, the durable and lightweight titanium buckle, the great overall look, the long-lasting wear, the fact that there was never a nickel allergy rash - or even a concern about one- as this belt is Certified Nickel Free™.  Yet, it seemed there was something missing.  Our customers wanted a brown belt that would be just as rugged and enduring as the Nickel Free Titanium Work Belt in Black.

We heard you and now here it is - the Nickel Free Titanium Work Belt in Brown!  For the men whose physically active jobs require a super sturdy belt in brown, the time to order is NOW!   Not only have we met the expectations of our customers who need a brown work belt, but we are also offering it at a fifteen percent discount for a limited time!

For those readers who haven't experienced the Ti Work Belt, as we affectionately call it, here is a quick rundown of its attributes.  A handcrafted genuine leather belt strap made of 1/8" thick leather, this time in espresso brown, is paired with a virtually indestructible nickel free titanium belt buckle to make a sturdy, hard-wearing belt!  Titanium is considered a "safe metal" and as such is recommended by dermatologists and allergists for anyone with nickel allergy or other metal allergies.  Surprisingly lightweight, this aerospace grade titanium is considered the workhorse of titanium alloys.  Resistant to rust and corrosion, the high polish of this center bar buckle provides an attractive focus for a clean and unadorned belt strap.

Men who are hard on belts find that frequent shopping for belt replacements takes time as well as money!  Complications arise when those replacement belts have to be nickel free! Arduous hours of shopping or poring over websites are over when you try our Nickel Smart Nickel Free Titanium Work Belt in Brown (or black).  Big and Tall Sizes are available! 

Visit NoNickel.com today for all your nickel allergy needs.  Our goal is to help you live a comfortable and nickel free life!

Prom time is here!  Our local high school girls are shopping for the perfect dress and accessories while the guys are trying to come up with a great look for this fun evening.  Don't let nickel allergy be a prom problem for you - be prepared to prevent any chance of nickel allergy rash with Nickel Solution™ and Certified Nickel Free™ products from NoNickel!

Prom night is a night of glittering glamour!  As you shop for dazzling earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, don't forget to "Detect" nickel in any jewelry with Nickel Alert™ and then protect yourself with a highly effective barrier against nickel, Nickel Guard™.  Nickel Alert can safely, quickly, and easily test for nickel in jewelry or any metallic product.  Simply use a cotton swab (included with all orders of Nickel Solution), place several drops of Nickel Alert on the swab and rub firmly on the metallic item.  A pink swab means nickel has been detected.  Nickel Alert is formulated to detect even minute concentrations of nickel so those people who are the most sensitive to nickel can feel secure with the test results.

If nickel is found in a piece of amazing jewelry that simply has to be worn to prom, that jewelry can be lacquered with Nickel Guard to provide a proven barrier between the nickel in the jewelry and your skin. Nickel Alert and Nickel Guard are each sold separately or together in the invaluable Nickel Solution kit.

Don't forget that with a night of dancing, perspiration can cause nickel to contact your skin even more rapidly.  Don't let a magical evening become a miserable night of nickel allergy itching and scratching. 

If you haven't already found the perfect pair of earrings, NoNickel has dozens of unique, handmade nickel free earrings.  These earrings have been tested and are guaranteed not to cause a nickel allergy rash.  Take a look at the Swarovski crystal collection for dazzling shimmer.  The silver-toned Enchanted Nickel Free Earrings are also a popular prom pair!  If a gold accent is what you're looking for, check out the alluring Egyptian Princess Hypoallergenic Earrings!  There are also earrings with stones of every color, sure to provide a great match for your fantastic dress!

Planning a gorgeous up-do?  Be aware - your scalp is not immune to nickel allergy rashes.  Make sure to test those stunning combs or hair accessories for nickel and use Nickel Guard as needed.  You may have heard that clear nail polish will offer the same protection.  Unfortunately, there are additives to nail polish that may cause secondary dermatitis (another rash!) for those with sensitive skin.  Your prom should be a night to remember for happy reasons, not because you spent the evening scratching those itchy rashes from nickel!

A special note for the guys going to prom - if your prom look includes a belt or jewelry, you may also be in for a night of uncomfortable rashes.  Many men are reporting nickel allergies, with most of them noticing problems where belt buckles contact their skin.  Nickel Solution is a good start if you have nickel allergy.  Even better, NoNickel offers a huge selection of nickel free belts to suit any taste and fashion need.

Prom is truly a magical evening to remember, so make sure yours is nickel free!

 Titanium buckles are hugely popular now and for good reason.  Titanium is becoming well known and valued for its characteristic durability, strength, lightweight feel, and attractive appearance.  If you add into this amazing list of attributes the fact that titanium is considered a safe metal for anyone with nickel or other metal allergies, you have a near-perfect buckle.

In response to phenomenal feedback, NoNickel.com is expanding their titanium belt line to provide more variety for men who have nickel allergy or another allergy to metal.  Considered a safe metal by dermatologists and allergists, titanium is also preferred for its many other attributes.  The aerospace grade titanium used to make these buckles is considered the workhorse of the titanium industry:  strong and durable, these buckles are truly made to last.

To view the all the belts outfitted with nickel free titanium buckles, NoNickel invites you to take a look at their site showcasing their Titanium Belts.   Most of these belts begin with genuine leather straps that have been handcrafted in the USA.  With this great beginning to a sturdy belt, add the indestructible titanium buckle and the result is one long-lasting belt!

In addition to the fact that these belts are nickel free, their popularity is also a result of their looks!  Titanium has a distinguishable appearance that sets it apart from other metals.  Though the finishes may vary, it has a classic enduring gleam that complements many belt straps.  NoNickel also offers a belt enhanced with the high-tech combination of carbon fiber and titanium for the buckle. 

Titanium is the right choice for any discriminating buyer. From the Nickel Smart Nickel Free Titanium Work Belt, a genuine leather belt fashioned with the hard-working, hard-playing overachiever in mind to the classic and sophisticated Nickel Smart Black Leather Dress Ti , there is a belt for any need and any taste.

Titanium is hot - join the ranks of those who have discovered its many advantages.  With dermatologists and allergists extolling the benefits of titanium for their metal allergic patients, the choice should be easy. Itchy, uncomfortable abdominal rashes can be a thing of the past with a visit to NoNickel's Nickel Free Titanium Collection.

For anyone with nickel allergy, it may be a good idea to be wary of gold whether it's at the end of the rainbow or at the jewelry store.

Many people believe gold jewelry is nickel free and therefore safe to wear to avoid nickel allergic reactions.  This is not always the case, so caution should be exercised when purchasing gold and particularly when considering the use of gold products for piercing.  All gold, except for pure 24K gold, is alloyed with other metals.  Unfortunately for nickel allergy sufferers, one of those metals is often nickel.  Nickel is frequently used as an alloy because of its strength, luster, and durability.

Pure gold does not have the strength and durability to make lasting jewelry. Gold jewelry that is labeled 18 karat gold is made of about 75% gold. To provide the enduring qualities needed for jewelry, 18K gold has been alloyed with one or more metals. Fourteen karat gold only contains about 58% gold, meaning the other metals make up 42% of the jewelry item. When nickel is used as one of the alloying metals, nickel allergy rashes or other symptoms will result for anyone who is sensitive to nickel. 

According to experts in the field, white gold is not a good alternative for anyone with nickel allergies.  Products marketed as white gold may be yellow gold that has been alloyed with nickel to produce the white lustrous appearance.  Though it may also be covered with rhodium, a nickel free element often used for jewelry plating, this top layer will wear with time exposing the nickel in the base metal.

Anyone who is nickel allergic should test all jewelry for nickel content prior to wearing and having to endure those uncomfortable symptoms that often last for days following exposure.  Nickel Alert™ has been specifically formulated to quickly, easily, and safely test any metal item to determine if it contains nickel.  It will show even a minute concentration of nickel so that those who are most sensitive can safely avert exposure. Should nickel be known to be present in existing jewelry, Nickel Guard™ can protect the skin from contacting nickel when applied according to directions.  Nickel Guard is sold separately or together with Nickel Guard as the nickel test kit,  Nickel Solution™ . These products are a great way to make a healthy start toward nickel avoidance.

If gold cannot be trusted to be nickel free, what are the options? Nickel allergic consumers may consider titanium, sterling silver, and stainless steel jewelry.  Titanium is considered by allergists to be safe for most people who suffer allergies to metal.  Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and is usually alloyed with copper, making it a good choice for those who are allergic to nickel.  Stainless steel may contain nickel but it is so tightly bound that the nickel salts cannot leach out to cause a reaction, so it too is a good choice.

This St. Patrick's Day enjoy the festivities but don't go looking for the leprechauns' pot of gold.  It could cause trouble in more ways than one!  Wondering about the celebratory food and drink associated with this holiday?  For anyone with serious nickel allergies, a visit to an allergist to discuss diet changes could be helpful.  Be aware that beer, yes even green beer, contains nickel! The Nickel Allergy Diet on the NoNickel website also seems to implicate cabbage and possibly corned beef. However, the NoNickel owners are reassuring that few of their thousands of customers have issues with diet.  Leading allergy experts concur that nickel in the diet is not a concern for the majority of nickel allergy sufferers.

Looking to add something green to your St. Patrick's Day attire?  On their Seasonal Earrings catalog page, NoNickel offers several nickel free earrings in varying shades of green that are guaranteed to avoid pinches and nickel allergy rashes!  Although there are no little leprechauns, why not try a pair of pixies?  NoNickel's Pixie Dust Nickel Free Earrings add a touch of whimsy along with a beautiful Spring green look for St. Patrick's Day.  Made of surgical stainless steel by a jewelry artist who is allergic to nickel, these earrings are guaranteed not to cause an allergic reaction from nickel.

Thinking about wishing on a four-leaf clover for an end to nickel allergy misery?  There's no reason to leave nickel allergy avoidance to luck - trust NoNickel for nickel free products and nickel allergy news and information.  Nickel free belt buckles (including titanium, brass, stainless steel, and zinc styles), genuine leather nickel free belts, jewelry, and more can be found on their website. Relax and enjoy St. Patrick's Day - embrace a new nickel free, comfortable lifestyle with no more nickel allergy rashes.  Sláinte!

Newly diagnosed nickel allergy patients are ready to do whatever it takes to be rid of the painful, itchy red rashes symptomatic of allergic contact dermatitis to nickel.  Realistically, though, it can be expensive to buy an entire new belt wardrobe to protect against itchy belly syndrome.

While NoNickel has many ideas that can help those with nickel allergy, their Nickel Smart™ Clamp Pin Buckle offers a simple solution to the quandary of replacing all of one's nicely broken in belts with new nickel free ones.  In most cases, a belt buckle may be cut off an old belt and this nickel free clamp pin buckle inserted in its place.  This works best for belt straps that already a bit long.

The instructions are simple:  remove the old buckle from the belt strap, using a sharp pair of scissors.  Open the clamp by lifting the tab (lever) on the back of the new buckle, slip the belt strap into the opening and press the tab closed.  In closing the tab, there are tiny prongs that insert into the belt material.    Once the tab is closed, you have acquired a nickel free belt.  No more itchy rashes from nickel! 

This nickel free clamp pin buckle is great-looking and versatile.  Wearers are comfortable using this belt for dress or casual wear.  Save a little cash while saving your skin from nickel allergy rash. 

Looking for more great ideas to protect skin from nickel?  Nickel Solution™ is a must-have for anyone allergic to nickel.  This two-part kit provides a bottle of Nickel Alert™ to test metals for nickel content and a bottle of Nickel Guard™, a lacquer specifically designed to brush onto metal to provide an effective barrier between the metal and the skin. 

NoNickel has one of the largest selections of nickel free belts in the world.  Many of these belts have straps that have been handcrafted in the USA and paired with nickel free buckles, including some with titanium buckles.  Dermatologists often recommend titanium to their patients with nickel allergy as it is considered a safe metal for metal allergies. Titanium offers other benefits including its lightweight feel and amazing durability.  These buckles are made of aerospace grade titanium and are designed for those who are tough on belts.  Pair a titanium buckle with a genuine leather strap and the result is one very sturdy belt. 

Jewelry is frequently the cause of nickel allergy rashes, particularly in women.  NoNickel employs a jewelry artist who is allergic to nickel.  She tests each of her products to assure these Certified Nickel Free earrings are safe to wear!  Nickel allergy sufferers can buy beautiful nickel free earrings with the guarantee they will never cause itchy ears.

Back to budgeting ideas - always check out the clearance section of the NoNickel website for great deals.  For additional discounts, take a look at the Deal of the Month.  If you place an order and keep your packing slip, you'll be eligible for free shipping for future orders.  Add your name to their subscriber list and receive regular emails featuring new products and promotional discounts. 

The owners of NoNickel have more than forty-five years of combined contact dermatology experience; their website has excellent educational insights and tips for avoiding nickel.  With their knowledge, the huge selection of nickel free products, and their commitment to customer service, NoNickel is an invaluable resource for anyone with nickel allergy.

New Year's Eve, date night event of the year, is a time to glam it up and get the party started! 

Stunning holiday attire from elegant, flowing dresses to shimmering tops with skinny jeans. Don't forget the glitz - jewelry can make an outfit unforgettable. But some jewelry can make your evening entirely miserable if you are allergic to nickel.  Make sure your jewelry is nickel free and rash free!

In response to customer requests, NoNickel.com is offering August and September birthstones on a trial basis.  Both these beautiful stones are set in sterling silver and have been tested to assure they meet the Certified Nickel Free™ standard meaning there is no nickel to ever cause an allergic reaction.  

We love the bright beauty of the August peridot - this dazzling green color was once dubbed the "new black" because of its versatility.  Whether or not you have an August birthday, these dainty  nickel free peridot posts can provide a spark of color to any outfit and for any occasion.  

September's birthstone is the blue sapphire.  NoNickel offers nickel free sapphire post earrings with a princess cut stone set in sterling silver.  September's birthstone symbolizes wisdom. We think it's a smart choice for nickel allergy sufferers to wear certified nickel free earrings!  No nickel means no nasty rashes on your ears and lots more fun wearing beautiful and stylish earrings!  

In addition to the birthstone earrings, we are also adding a black cubic zirconia nickel free earring to our sterling silver post line.  A segmented square of this shiny stone adds super sheen -try saying that three times fast.  Even if you don't try the tongue twister, try some of these new earrings that are sure to give you a new look without any of your old allergy problems!  

Fall is in the air and we have the latest fall earring fashions-nickel free of course!  Check out our new seasonal selections of autumn colors and holiday favorites! 

While you are perusing the latest earring offerings at NoNickel, take a look at some of our nickel free earrings on sale!  Many of these earrings are handmade in the USA and follow the same rigorous testing as all of our products to assure they are completely nickel free!

If you haven't visited the website recently, you may be surprised at the number of handmade nickel free earrings that are currently being offered.  NoNickel strives to offer top-quality earrings in a wide variety of styles, all guaranteed to never cause a nickel allergy rash!