Sensitivity to nickel has been increasing over time. The government in certain countries is monitoring the metals used for body piercing. Irrespective of whether you are sensitive to a certain metal or not, it is always better to use hypoallergenic metals for body piercing in order to avoid any allergic reaction. Hypoallergenic metals do not give rise to any allergic reaction and thus the piercing heals faster, putting less stress on the immune system. In fact, before undertaking the piercing, the piercer should inquire if you are sensitive to any metal. Many customers are not even aware of the fact that they are sensitive to a certain metal. Sometimes, the customer does not even know what metal is being used for the piercing. Frankly, both the piercer and the customer are responsible for avoiding the use of a metal that the customer is allergic to. The piercer should ask the customer about his sensitivity before proceeding with the piercing. However, if the customer has ever had a skin problem due to the use of a particular metal, this fact should be informed to the piercer. If you get skin irritation with wearing metal-backed wristwatches, metal buttons in jeans or belt buckles, you might have an allergy to nickel, which many people have. According to a European directive, jewelry used initially in a piercing should not contain more than 0.05% nickel. Once the piercing heals, jewelry with a slightly higher percentage of nickel might be used.