Anyone have remedy for nickel allergy?

[willoughbyclan]

My DD12 has had an allergy since spring of 2007 and I just can't seem to get rid of it. Part of the problem is that she is required to wear a belt with her clothing at school and it causes an unbelievable rash on her belly.

Any ideas on a way that I can clear this up? I have tried triple antibiotic cream and Elidel (my DD14 uses for eczema) and I have taken her to a dermatologist who prescribed an expensive cream that didn't work either. I was hoping for a home remedy that worked for someone.

 

[LadyyRedd]

Can you get a belt with a plastic buckle?

if not, I'd imagine that a note from her doctor with a medical allergy reason would be able to exempt her from wearing the belt.

Kimya

 

[CEDmom]

Is her school aware of her allergy? I can't imagine they'd require her to wear something that causes her an allergic reaction.

If you can't get past the requirement can't she wear a belt that doesn't have nickel? There are plenty of other options.

 

[YourMajesty]

What about using some nail polish or some kind of polish to go over the nickel belt buckle. Then use a bandage to cover the rash until it goes away?

 

[SpecialK]

My sister put first aid tape over the backs of all the snaps, buttons, etc. that touched her kids' stomachs. I have to do this for my son sometimes when the nickel content is high.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Anitbiotics don't work for allergies. Home remedies cannot get rid of allergies. The best thing to do is avoid all contact with the thing to which you are allergic.

If I were you, I'd call the school and tell them your DD is allergic to the thing and she won't be wearing it any longer.

 

[yeartolate]

Is it possible to get her a belt without nickel in it?

If that is the cause it should clear up on its own. Some hydrocortisone cream might make it feel better. A poutice of baking soda and vineger might make it feel better too.

But bottom line, get rid of the offending metal. The school can't make her wear something she is allergic to.

 

[CajunDixie]

Tell/Show the school nurse the rash and let them know you've been to a Dr. and tried various changes but you would like your DD excused from wearing a belt until you get this rash cleared up. They can't require her to continue wearing the belt. If they won't excuse her then demand they provide a nickel-free belt for her to wear.

 

[KristaTX]

Does she keep her shirt tucked in?

 

[solferino]

If she's got an allergy the school should accomodate that and allow for a different style belt.

 

[RitaZ.]

All you do can is avoid metals that contain nickel. Talk to the school about the allergy. I'm sure they can make an exception for your DD.

I'm allergic to nickel, so I understand.

 

[willoughbyclan]

Wow. I am so surprised at the quick responses. I am so glad I decided to post here. I knew you would all be helpful.

I never thought about asking her school to exempt her from the belt requirement until it clears up. I guess partly because I know they will expect her to wear something in her belt loops even if it is a piece of yarn. I have already suggested this to my DD as well as using ribbons instead of a belt. She was mortified at the thought of using yarn but was OK with the ribbon idea. I just can't get her to be consistent with it. Even though she has a couple of belts that are not made of nickel, she will sometimes grab one of the belts that does have nickel because it matches her outfit, (vanity wins every time ) I've even tried removing her belts from her access but then she borrows one from her older sister without my knowledge. (Maybe I should have a pat down before she leaves for school each morning LOL)

Will the finger nail polish idea work on the buckle/button, etc.? I have never heard of that.

 

[KathyTX]

The others are right- the only real treatment and cure is to avoid direct skin contact with the items containing nickel. I have the same problem, and so does my DS.

If you cannot use another belt that would not put metal against her skin, she'll need to keep her shirt tucked in, or you may need to tape bandages over the area where the contact occurs.

She'll also probably have trouble with buckles on watches (I have to wear watches that are are stainless steel), and with pretty much all costume jewelry (I can't wear necklaces or bracelets or rings or earrings unless they are 14 gold or platinum.) Silver also causes me to break out.

 

[willoughbyclan]

Does she keep her shirt tucked in?

Yea, that is a requirement of the dress code, belt on and shirt tucked in. I am guessing she must be REALLY allergic to nickel for it to affect her through her shirt or possibly when she gets home she forgets and untucks her shirt without taking off her belt. I am afraid it is going to cause her to have a scar on her belly.

 

[Disney Doll]

Paint the whole belt buckle with clear fingernail polish. It will sort of "seal" it and keep the nickel away form her skin.

You will have to refresh the polish every once in a while.

I am allergic to nickel and I do this with the posts of pierced earrings that have nickel in them. It works.

 

[RitaZ.]

Will the finger nail polish idea work on the buckle/button, etc.? I have never heard of that.

I have tried it on earrings and it didn't work for me. You can try it and see if it works for your DD.

 

[willoughbyclan]

Paint the whole belt buckle with clear fingernail polish. It will sort of "seal" it and keep the nickel away form her skin.

You will have to refresh the polish every once in a while.

I am allergic to nickel and I do this with the posts of pierced earrings that have nickel in them. It works.

Taking quick break to go "polish" the buckle right now. Still hoping I can get her to wear her "ribbon" belt but just in case she sneaks the other one.

 

[KristaTX]

Yea, that is a requirement of the dress code, belt on and shirt tucked in. I am guessing she must be REALLY allergic to nickel for it to affect her through her shirt or possibly when she gets home she forgets and untucks her shirt without taking off her belt. I am afraid it is going to cause her to have a scar on her belly.

Poor girl .

Play around with google search. I just googled "nickel free belt buckle" and found some sites. Look around and I bet you can find a belt that will fit her and that has some style to it.

Until you find one, take the advice of others here and go talk to the school nurse or her teacher. If necessary, get a note from your doctor saying she needs to be allowed to not wear a belt. There is absolutely no acceptable reason for her to suffer physically because of a dress code.

She'll have to be careful from now on with what metal she wears, but the belt thing shouldn't be too hard an issue to resolve .

 

[LindaG4458]

The others are right- the only real treatment and cure is to avoid direct skin contact with the items containing nickel. I have the same problem, and so does my DS.

If you cannot use another belt that would not put metal against her skin, she'll need to keep her shirt tucked in, or you may need to tape bandages over the area where the contact occurs.

She'll also probably have trouble with buckles on watches (I have to wear watches that are are stainless steel), and with pretty much all costume jewelry (I can't wear necklaces or bracelets or rings or earrings unless they are 14 gold or platinum.) Silver also causes me to break out.

I have the same problem. I painted the backs of the buckles on watch straps with clear nail polish and it did help. I can wear the watch out and about during the day but take it off whenever I am home. If it is on too long I get a sore on my wrist that takes weeks to heal.

Even nail polish doesn't help with pierced earrings. They have to be at least 14K gold and sometimes that isn't good enough. The ears get all swollen and oozy.

 

[RitaZ.]

Even nail polish doesn't help with pierced earrings. They have to be at least 14K gold and sometimes that isn't good enough. The ears get all swollen and oozy.

Isn't it terrible?