Nickel allergy - any experiences or remedies?

[Tuesday]

I have a nickel allergy - I get contact dermatitis (red, sore, itchy rash). Since I've become a SAHM, I've really developed a huge reaction. I wear casual pants or jeans every day now and I am continually getting a rash from the back of button on the inside of my pant's waistband. I also get the reaction from my belt buckle. I've tried covering the fasteners with nail varnish (polish), double-sided tape, bandaids - and nothing helps. I'm wondering if any of you have had this allergy and what you've done to protect your skin from the fasteners. Last night, in my sleep, I scratched the rash until it bled (again). I've had this rash for over a year now - just when I get rid of it, it comes back mere seconds after contact with nickel. If I could wear clothes without fasteners, that might help but I am a rumble tumble mom playing in the dirt every day with my son and it's just not practical. Besides we have no cash for clothes. So, I'm wondering if there is any sort of barrier I could apply. Or something?

Any ideas? THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stafl]

My DH reacts to base metal (not sure if it's the nickel or something else in the alloy). For his eyeglasses, he has to get the kind with plastic coating on the frame and earpieces. For his clothes, I get some of that iron-on fabric (not patches, the stuff like you use to stiffen hems with) and iron it on wherever the metal would touch his skin. It peels off after a few washes, and I just put more on there. His reaction is usually lots worse in the summer or if he gets sweaty. He always tucks his shirts in his pants, so doesn't have a problem with jeans buttons, it's usually the snaps on his workshirts that are the big problem.

[Meiri]

When I was havng htis problem with my jeans, I did two things.

When it was cold enough out, I'd wear 2 layers, with the under layer (usually a long sleeved shirt) tucked in.

I also sewed a folded bit of cloth, usually flannel, over the snap or button where it contacts my skin. That lasts if your stitching is secure.

I had to do this for DS when he was a baby too. I sewed a strip of bias tape down the inside of some of his pjs with snaps down the front. Prevented a repeat of the line of small circular rashes he'd gotten....