It can be tricky to prevent nickel allergy symptoms from making an unwelcome appearance on the best of days, but Halloween presents its own set of frightening obstacles. NoNickel owner Lea Dow reports that it is difficult to find nickel free Halloween accessories simply because nickel is used so widely in the US. As an inexpensive and durable metal, nickel is often found in costume props such as belts, buckles, wands, batons, pitchforks, eyeglass frames, hair clips, metal buttons, snaps, swords, jewelry, and even angel/fairy wings!
If you or your child have been diagnosed with nickel allergy, it is wise to test metallic items prior to long use or wear. Nickel Alert™ is an easy to use dimethlyglyoxime test for nickel. A few drops of this agent applied to a cotton swab rubbed briefly over metal will provide an accurate test result. A pink to red result means nickel has been detected. Nickel Alert will reveal a positive result with even extremely low levels of nickel, so you can be assured that an item is truly nickel free after a negative result.
When the perfect costume prop tests positive for nickel, there are other options that may allow its use. Nickel Guard™ provides clinically proven barrier protection between metal and skin. For small items with non-movable parts such as some jewelry and eyeglass frames, this lacquer can be safely painted onto the metal to form a micro-bond that prevents the nickel salts from contacting the skin. Nickel Guard was developed specifically for those with sensitive skin and does not contain harsh chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate.
For those who are extremely sensitive, nickel can pop up to haunt the evening in other ways such as diet. Chocolate, the Halloween staple, can be a source of high nickel content. The lengthy refining process for dark chocolate and cocoa powder allows the product to be in direct contact with machinery that often contains nickel. Most people with nickel allergy have no dietary restrictions; however, a visit to the allergist can offer either reassurance or suggestions for a low nickel diet. The NoNickel website offers further information on limiting nickel in the diet, along with other helpful information on managing nickel allergy.
NoNickel offers a selection of hypoallergenic seasonal earrings that changes throughout the year. For autumn activities, take a look at Fall Harvest Earrings or Pumpkin Patch Earrings which are sure to add the perfect finishing touch to your enchanted evening!
One last scary thought to complete your Halloween: a lot of very organized people are already finishing their holiday shopping! Whenever you decide to join in, make sure to take a fresh look at all NoNickel has to offer. The selection of handcrafted genuine leather nickel free belts has increased tremendously this year. A new genuine leather nickel free child’s casual belt has been added, along with a nickel free children’s belt set. The distressed leather belts have been extremely popular for the fall months, and the handcrafted titanium belts now come with a lifetime guarantee making them an extremely attractive gift option.
This Halloween, treat yourself to living nickel free with the trusted products of NoNickel.com.