Question

[jedimaster91]

Let me start out by saying I am not asking for advice. That's against CS rules. This is more of a curiosity thing.

So, last weekend I went to a local convention and bought a necklace. I thought it was a pretty awesome necklace so I started wearing it right away. Apparently the chain has nickle in it, and I happen to be allergic to nickle. So now I have a lovely, itchy rash on my neck where the chain was. I also have a rash on my arms and around my belly-button. And oddly enough, my arms itch way more than my neck does. And it all popped up about the same time. So here's my question: is it possible that I had a severe enough reaction to the chain that it popped up in other places? That stupid necklace is the only out of the ordinary thing I can think of that might have caused it. I haven't really been anywhere new, there are no poisonous plants (like ivy) in my yard that my dogs could have gotten into, I haven't changed laundry detergent or anything like that.

And before anyone starts worrying, I feel fine. Just miserably itchy. I'm already taking diphenhydramine and using hydrocortizone cream, but they're not helping much.

[Dighti]

Yes, I'm allergic to nickle too. My reactions almost always are at the site where it was touching AND on my upper arms and lower legs.

[EricKei]

Well, there's the obvious -- give your family doc a call (or even the local poison control center; they may have leads on info).

If the metal itself was cheaply made, perhaps some trace amounts of nickel flaked off, got onto your hands, and were transferred elsewhere on your body as a result? Especially if it was nickel-plated rather than solid?

It's kind of odd, tho -- most US coins made in the last half a century or so do contain at least some nickel; have those caused any issues?

[Teskeria]

My Mother always put clear nail polish over the metal. It allowed her to continue to wear necklaces with metal she was allergic to, without a reaction. (Naturally, do not try if allergic to anything in nail polish)

[Argus]

My understanding is that hives are a common symptom of a food allergy, without any requirement that the offending food touch the affected skin. Given that, your report seems plausible (but is worth mentioning to the doctor who normally treats your allergy).

[Sapphire Silk]

You should consult with your physician.

[jedimaster91]

It's pretty much all gone now. I was never too worried about it other than clawing my arm off because it itched so bad. And it only itched that bad because I kept scratching it (I know, bad Jedi!).

Both my parents are nurses so I had them look at it and they basically told me to keep doing what I was doing (antihistamines and hydrocortisone cream) and wait it out. I worked, just took longer than I would have liked.