The contact between a metal and the human skin produces irritation in 80% of cases. Only 20% are true allergic reactions. In both cases we speak about an itchy and totally unpleasant feeling. In the case of an allergy, it’s not easy not to have contact with metals. Nickel, for example, is about 0.008% of the earth’s crust.
In case of a contact dermatitis as experts call it, the skin gets red, blisters might appear and the itch is permanent. If you scratch, the blisters break, and the reaction becomes acute. Allergies to metals occur mainly on the abdomen, eyelids, genitals, the skin between the fingers and neck. Explanation? In these areas, the skin is thinner. It’s one of the reasons why events occur more frequently on the soles, palms and scalp.
There are people who experience these symptoms only after exposure to metals, but also to light. It’s photo contact dermatitis. If you are genetically predisposed to allergies or asthma, you have a higher risk of suffering severe reaction to contact with various metals. But statistics show that if you already suffer from asthma or respiratory and food allergies, allergic reactions to metals also occur. The best treatment for metal allergy is avoidance. The itching is reduced with antihistamines, and for acute forms are recommended corticosteroids are recommended.
Once the allergic reaction occurred, it will return once you get in contact with the metal to which you are sensitive. So you have to be aware to all substances you come in contact. Read the label of each product that reaches your skin! Mercury is found in disinfectants, insecticides, some ointments, and in cleaning solutions for contact lenses. It’s also found in amalgam fillings. After such a filling was done, the allergy can usually occur 6 hours after the visit to the dentist.
Nickel exists in coins, jewelry, buckles, door knobs, liquid detergents, solutions used for hair styling. But nickel is about 0.008% of the earth’s crust. This causes people to be continuously exposed to nickel. Nickel is corroded by sweat, saliva and other fluids secreted by the body. Copper is found in coins, alloys, insecticides, fungicides.
Cobalt is a metal that can cause an allergy after contact with soil, dust and sea water. Cobalt is found in cement, bricks, metal alloys, in the blue pigments in porcelain, glass and ceramics. Polyester is a source of allergy to cobalt. Chromium is found in cement, mortar and anti-corrosion paint. It is also found in the leather used to manufacture shoes.
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