Allergy to metal

Allergy to metal - sounds itself exotic. Those who encounter this problem are not at all kidding: edema of the earlobes, irritation and redness of the skin on the hands, itchy spots of the decollete zone. Metal buckle belt, zippers on fashion jeans, metal money - and they bring a lot of trouble.

Contact dermatitis or allergy to metal causes 10% of the population to suffer. Where does this disease come from? After all, the metal does not smell, it is not consumed inside, and it does not have the property of showering like pollen.

[1], [2], [3]

Causes of allergy to metal

Statistics argue that allergies to metal are particularly susceptible to residents of large industrial cities. Often, the disease hides and manifests itself after a while. Allergen can live in the body for several days, or even years, without creating any problems. The delayed reaction is due to the following factors:

• activity of the stimulus itself; 
• the state of the immune background; 
• the age of the patient; 
• the nature of sensitivity to the allergen.

Allergy to the metal often occurs when contacting with nickel, cobalt, chromium, molybdenum, mercury. Jewelry made of gold, platinum, silver, as a rule, do not cause irritation. Alloys from precious metals with nickel, copper, etc. Can be an exception.

An allergy to the metal, the causes of its appearance lie in prolonged contact with the allergen, which enters the body through the skin. The cells of the body change their chemical composition under the influence of metal ions. So some rebuilt protein cells are perceived by the body itself as harmful, they develop a defensive reaction.

In addition, a separate intolerance of a certain type of metal is taken into account, which triggers an immunological process.

[4], [5], [6]

Symptoms of allergy to metal

Allergy to metal is most often found after a few days. Signs appear directly at the point of contact with the allergen. However, there are known cases of ingestion of nickel, which is included in the contents of chocolate or fish. A hidden threat is represented by buckles of bras, zippers and metal buttons on clothes.

Symptoms of allergy to metal are as follows: 

• rash on the skin, peeling or keratinization of the upper layer of the epidermis; 
• redness resembling a skin burn; 
• an unbearable itch; 
• the appearance of blisters filled with a clear liquid; 
• temperature increase.

At the first signs of allergic contact dermatitis it is better to consult an allergist.

Treatment of allergies to metal

Allergy to metal is associated with a decrease in immunity. In order to maintain the body's defenses, doctors recommend preventive measures, including: 

• enrichment of the diet with fresh fruits and vegetables; 
• hardening procedures;
• walks in the open air; 
• physical exercises.

If the allergy to the metal itself showed, you need to seek medical help. Avoid contact with metal. For example, remove jewelry and in a few weeks the signs of allergy will disappear. Cope with symptoms of irritation and inflammation will help ointments "polkortolon", "Advantan". Both drugs are potent, therefore they are applied with the thinnest layer no more than 2-3 times a day. Treatment is prescribed up to 7 days.

To remove toxic substances from the body, the best agent is "phytosorbovit-plus." Active bioadditive helps cells to clear from salts of heavy metals, to remove symptoms of intoxication with allergies. The natural complex "phytosorbovit" contains flowers of tansy, dog rose, senna leaf. Perfectly removes puffiness, inflammation of the skin. Lactobacilli, included in the supplement, increase immunity. For adults, the recommended daily dose is 2-3 tablets with meals up to 4 times. The therapeutic effect is achieved in 2-3 weeks. During pregnancy and during lactation, the drug is not prescribed.

Good results of treatment of allergy to the metal are achieved with the use of the homeopathic remedy "lymphomyositis". Adult drug - up to 15 drops twice or thrice daily before meals. The product consists of natural ingredients, it is used even for the treatment of newborns. Dosage for children is 3-8 drops.

Habituated antihistamines (suprastin, tavegil) in cases of contact allergic dermatitis are powerless.

Sometimes wearing earrings, bracelets, chains not of precious metals is acceptable. But the length of stay of such jewelry on your body should be limited. It all depends on your individual sensitivity, usually a few hours (going to visit). Do not abuse base metals and wear them no more than once a week.

In case of doubt, which particular product causes you hypersensitivity, perform a simple test. For some time, discard all ornaments until the symptoms of allergy to the metal have passed. Then attach the object of suspicion (earring, part of the bracelet) to the skin of the forearm zone for three days, including night time. If the allergy to the metal shows up again, then the reason you found.

How to be fashionable and fashionable? You can order the shvenza or ear lugs (part of the earring contacting the ear lobe) from the precious metal that does not cause you allergic reactions. So it will be possible to attach favorite earrings to them. With bracelets, pendants, things are more complicated. But here there is one trick - covering the body touching the body of the decoration with transparent nail polish. Dear allergy sufferers, do not forget to check the varnish for the absence of toxic substances, which are called big3free. These include the famous - Essie, L'Oreal, Revlon, etc. Also observe the rules of personal hygiene: regularly treat your decorations with special means, clean from dust and dirt.

The allergy to the metal of the newly purchased jewelry can be provoked: 

• remnants of irritants used in soldering or polishing the product; 
• because of the infection left on the jewelry after previous tests; 
• the design of the fastener itself can be unsuccessful, cause mechanical irritation (mechanical urticaria).

Before dental prosthetics, the installation of birch barkets, you should notify the dentist that you have an allergy to the metal. Nickel is used in the manufacture of crowns, bracket systems. If you do not know if you are allergic to metal, you need to test for an allergen.

I would like to note that people with intolerance to nickel must follow a certain diet, excluding: processed cheese, pastry with the addition of oats, oat flakes, nuts, smoked fish, cherries, soy, green tea, alcohol. Do not abuse acidic foods such as citrus, sauerkraut, some berries. Cook preferably in clay, glass or enameled dishes.

Allergy to metal is an unpleasant disease requiring the implementation of such rules: 

• buy gold or silver jewelry without nickel; 
• the period of wearing jewelry should be limited; 
• rings, earrings, chains, take off before bedtime (not only because of the reasons for the appearance of dermatitis, but also for the purpose of energetically cleaning your jewelry); 
• Use alternating gold and silver items.