Nickel in School Supplies? Make Back to School Shopping Nickel Free

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. - Aug. 3, 2015 - PRLog -- For many students, the upcoming school year will be filled with exciting new activities. Participating in band, sports, and clubs will all bring a greater sense of accomplishment. Preparing ahead can assure this newfound confidence isn't undermined by the introduction or worsening of nickel allergy symptoms.

Watchful parents should be aware that band instruments can contain nickel. A simple dmg spot test such as Nickel Alert™ can identify the problem before it causes lengthy discomfort and possibly, the inability to play due to a nickel allergy reaction. Nickel Alert can safely test any metal instrument, including the strings, to determine if there is nickel content. Student musicians with nickel allergy should consider this a critical step to assuring success as a band member.

For sports, parents should test the metal parts of uniforms such as grommets, rings, and closures before they are worn for practice or events. It is especially important to assure there is no nickel in any metal that contacts the skin of athletes with nickel allergy. Perspiration increases nickel allergy symptoms by transferring the nickel salts to the skin more readily, so resulting nickel rashes could become quite uncomfortable and affect athletic performance. Some of the metal parts on uniforms can be protected with a lacquer specifically designed for sensitive skin, Nickel Guard™. Tested by dermatologists and found to be an effective barrier between the nickel in metal and skin, Nickel Guard can be safely and easily applied to non-movable metal parts. It does not contain formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate which can create secondary dermatitis problems for those with the sensitive skin associated with nickel allergy.

Highly allergic students should be aware that nickel is often found in metallic paper clips, scissors, pens, mechanical pencils, binder clips, and many other standard school supplies. Fortunately, most of these items aren’t handled long enough to cause significant problems and many of them can be purchased with protective plastic or vinyl coatings.

As more technology is being offered or required by school systems, students are spending significant amounts of time on laptops and tablets. Along with cell phones, certain brands of these items have been implicated as the cause of nickel allergy rashes  When possible, test the surface areas of these items to determine if there is nickel in the metal. There are covers and hand rests that may offer some protection from any nickel shown to be present.

Back to school clothing shopping presents a number of concerns for the nickel allergic student. Belt buckles are notorious for causing nickel allergy rashes. If the student’s uniform requires a belt, be sure it is nickel free. NoNickel.com has nickel free belts in children’s sizes which come with the guarantee to never test positive for nickel. If your student is high-school or college-age with no dress restrictions, the NoNickel nickel free belt collection includes trendy styles available in durable genuine leather. Nickel free buckles are another way to solve this nickel allergy problem; the clamp pin buckle is an easy way to replace a problem buckle with one guaranteed to never cause a nickel rash!

Fashion jewelry is often the focus when planning the perfect outfit for the first day of school. Unfortunately, much of the jewelry fashioned for teens and tweens contains nickel.  Shopping the nickel free jewelry collection at NoNickel will prevent any first day heartache (from itchy ears due to nickel allergy rash).  The dichroic glass earrings offer beautiful looks and possibly even a science lesson on their design. Learn more about the process when you view the mesmerizing nickel free dichroic glass earrings.

Some students may be asking for ear or other body piercing prior to heading back to their studies. If the child hasn’t had previous piercing, make sure certain steps are taken to assure this event doesn’t turn into a lifelong battle with nickel allergy. Individuals who are susceptible to nickel allergy can become quickly sensitized to nickel with any body piercing. Recommendations for safe piercing include the use of sterile, nickel free needles and nickel free jewelry. The piercer should be able to provide documentation of the metal content of items being used to assure that nickel is not being introduced via piercing.

Studies indicate a rise in nickel allergy in the United States and in many other countries. Fortunately for nickel allergy sufferers, some manufacturers are starting to recognize the harmful repercussions of using nickel in their products. Europe’s Nickel Directive, initiated a number of years ago, is credited with the decline of nickel allergy in children in the United Kingdom. Until all countries commit to limits on the use of nickel in manufacturing, those with nickel allergy will have to continue their own personal fights to avoid this allergen.

NoNickel.com also offers information on a number of topics that will assist parents and students who are coping with nickel allergy. Using these helpful shopping tips, this school year will be off to a nickel rash free start!