Nickel mineral allergy, toxicity, side effects by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Nickel is an important mineral constituent of stainless steel. Nickel also plays key role in the chemical and aerospace industries. Leading producers include Australia, Canada, Norway and Russia. Large reserves of nickel are found in Australia, Cuba, New Caledonia, Canada, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Russia.

Topical Tacrolimus for Nickel Allergy

Protopic, also known as tacrolimus 0.1 percent ointment, suppresses the signs and symptoms of skin allergy resulting in contact dermatitis among individuals who are sensitive to nickel and who continue to be exposed to this metal. Allergic contact dermatitis -- characterized by inflammation, rash, itching and blistering -- is one of the most common occupationally related conditions in the United States, costing an estimated $1 billion annually due to lost work, reduced productivity, medical care and disability payments. Nickel induces allergic reactions in roughly 5.8 percent of the U.S. population, making it an appropriate model for studying allergic contact dermatitis.