Every time nickel comes into contact with skin, the T- cells think they are doing your body a favor by reacting. Eyelids, a popular site for piercing are particularly sensitive. In addition to developing a reaction to nickel in earring studs, patients can become allergic in other ways. Eating foods high in nickel such as shellfish, chocolate milk, and beans can set off a reaction. Some people become so sensitive to nickel that their skin reacts to zippers, bra clasps, and eyeglass frames around the back of their ears and nose.
Reactions can even stem from nickel in pots and pans and metal egg beaters, mixing spoons and bowls.
Those suspecting nickel allergies may obtain a jewelry testing kit from Allerderm in Mill Valley, California. The kit includes DiMethyl Glyoxine and Ammonium Hydroxide which are mixed together and daubed on the jewelry with a cotton swab. If the metal turns pink, nickel is present. Fisher's Contact Dermatitis, edited by Fowler and Riechtel, a standard guide for dermatologists cites Roman Research in Plymouth, Massachusetts as a reliable source for jewelry that is nickel safe. The company invented the first one-step ear piercing system that uses a surgical stainless steel stud to puncture the lobe.