A metal allergy is a reaction of the immune system to a particular metal, which may be part of jewellery, glasses, clothing or orthopaedic devices. The most common symptoms of allergy include itchy and red skin, small fluid-filled blisters and dry, cracked skin. This type of allergy is also referred to as contact dermatitis. In the following article, we will highlight the most common types of metal that trigger an allergic reaction and answer questions that are often related to this type of allergy.
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Metals that cause allergies
An allergy that presents with red spots or blisters is most often associated with the following metals:
- Nickel – this is the most common allergen. You can find it in jewellery, metal buttons or belt buckles. It is also often found in surgical instruments and dental materials.
- Cobalt – is often used in cosmetic products (for example, in hair products). In combination with nickel, it appears in alloys for the manufacture of jewellery.
- Chromium – this metal is usually contained in paints and textile paints. Chromium is also used in leather processing – wearing leather products can therefore also trigger an allergic reaction.
Exceptionally, allergies also occur to other metals – gold, copper or aluminium.
Which metals are non-irritating for allergy sufferers
There are many metals that do not usually cause allergic reactions. These include:
- Titan – is very well tolerated. It is often used in medicine, for example for the manufacture of orthopaedic implants.
- Stainless steel – high quality surgical stainless steel tends to be hypoallergenic. However, you need to pay attention to the composition, as some types contain small amounts of nickel. Also watch out for coloured steel.
- Platinum – this precious metal is hypoallergenic and well tolerated even by very sensitive people.
- Palladium – an alternative to platinum. It is often used in jewellery for people with sensitive skin.
- Silver – is usually hypoallergenic. If it contains impurities of other metals, it may cause irritation. Be interested in the finish. Rhodium plated silver is ideal for hypoallergenic contact.
How metal allergy manifests itself
Metal allergy manifests as contact dermatitis – it is a superficial inflammatory reaction of the skin at the site of contact with the allergen. Typical manifestations include:
- Redness and itching – the skin becomes red, itchy and often irritated.
- Blisters – small blisters may appear at the site of contact with the allergen, which burst and are filled with fluid.
- Scaling and thickening of the skin – prolonged contact with the allergen can lead to dry skin, scaling or thickening of the affected area.
When metal allergy typically manifests itself
Metal allergies occur after prolonged use or contact with the allergen, for example after a few hours or days. Typically, the manifestations appear at the point of contact with the allergen, for example after wearing earrings, rings or watches.
Skin irritation can start to bother you at any time in your life. Even if you haven’t had any problems before, allergies can develop after prolonged use of metals.
What allergies can limit you in
Buying jewelry, choosing clothes, skin care. Metal allergies can limit a person in many ways:
- Jewellery – the choice of jewellery may be limited to hypoallergenic materials.
- Clothing – metal buttons, zippers or buckles can cause a reaction, so be sure to choose clothing without metal accessories or with covering layers.
- Cosmetics and make-up – some cosmetic products, such as eye shadow, contain traces of metals, especially cobalt, which can cause a reaction.
- Medical and dental devices – allergies can limit the choice of materials for implants, dental fillings or orthopaedic devices.
Can it be just the earrings that cause redness?
Yes, metal allergies can only manifest themselves in certain areas of the body, such as the ears. It does not necessarily irritate the skin on other parts of the body. However, if a severe allergic reaction occurs, it may be advisable to limit the wearing of all metal jewellery that contains allergenic components or switch to hypoallergenic materials.
Can metal allergies be treated?
Metal allergies cannot be completely cured, but you can get them under control by avoiding allergenic metals and choosing hypoallergenic materials. Antihistamines or corticosteroid creams can help to control symptoms in acute reactions. In some cases, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or allergist who can suggest other treatments for the condition.
What helps to relieve symptoms
If you have a long-term metal allergy and are looking for a way to relieve or prevent symptoms, you can try Schüssler salts. These natural minerals are popular for their ability to promote balance in the body. For allergy prevention, Natrium Sulphuricum is an ideal choice to help detoxify the body and remove unwanted substances. If you are already experiencing allergy symptoms, such as a rash, you can reach for Natrium Muriaticum, which is known for its ability to alleviate the skin manifestations of allergies.
Metal allergy is an unpleasant problem that can start at any time in your life. Metal allergy manifests itself as an unpleasant contact dermatitis and can range in intensity from mild irritation to nasty blisters and deeply cracked skin. If you know your skin is sensitive to certain metals, avoid them. Instead, try jewelry made of other metals and watch carefully for a reaction.