Metal allergy has been proven by scientists to be an extremely common skin condition, affecting approximately 10% of people. This diagnosis, you will agree, sounds very exotic. But still, it is the above-mentioned metal allergy that brings a lot of unpleasant sensations. Gold and silver, a metal belt buckle, cash coins, fasteners on fashionable jeans - all this can provide any person with inconvenience and significant trouble. Where does this disease come from? Let's try to figure it out!
Allergic contact dermatitis: what is it
The above disease is called the disease of modernity. Of course, pure silver and gold do not cause allergies. But today, these products are increasingly being produced with impurities of such metals for the purpose of enrichment, which cause allergic contact dermatitis. This is:
- nickel;
- cob alt;
- gallium;
- chrome;
- molybdenum;
- beryllium.
Allergens can accumulate in the body for a long time and at one moment cause an undesirable "conflict situation" with the skin. In addition to unpleasant signs on the skin, allergic contact dermatitis can be accompanied by headaches, swelling, and problems with the functioning of the digestive tract.
Metal Allergy: Causes
According to statistics, it is the inhabitants of industrial cities who are more exposed to the above disease than the inhabitants of suburban areas or rural areas.
Interestingly, a metal allergy may not show symptoms for years. Allergen retardation is often caused by the following factors:
- state of the immune system;
- activity of the allergen-irritant;
- age of patient;
- individual nature of sensitivity to an allergen.
The causes that cause allergic contact dermatitis are primarily prolonged contact with an irritant metal. The cells of the body under the influence of this substance change their chemical composition over time. Then they begin to be perceived by the human body as harmful, and a defensive reaction to them arises.
Experts note that another important cause of metal allergy is the weakening of the body by frequent stress, overwork, irritability. It is these phenomena that create excellent preconditions fordevelopment of the above disease.
Symptoms of Allergic Reactions to Metal
A metal allergy on the skin has the following symptoms:
- unbearably itchy;
- temperature increase;
- rash on the skin;
- keratinization of the upper layer of the epidermis and skin peeling;
- the formation of redness, which often resembles a burn in appearance.
If you identify the symptoms of the above disease in a timely manner and do not start a course of therapy, then over time, metal allergy only aggravates the situation with the he alth of patients.
The hidden threat to the human body in this direction is represented by such elements of clothing as fasteners from bras, metal buttons and fasteners.
Prosthetics and the manifestation of an allergic reaction
Allergy to metals in dentistry is a common occurrence. It manifests itself with the following symptoms:
- appearance of signs of stomatitis;
- regular pain in the mouth;
- presence of a metallic taste in the mouth;
- observation of redness and erosion of the tongue;
- inflammation of the gums and lips.
Therefore, when a patient is found to be allergic to metal, dentists use special metal crowns: zirconium-ceramic, gold-ceramic, titanium-ceramic. The first material is very heavy. The second two are very expensive. But when there is no way out, then dentists insist ontheir application, and then the patient has to agree to such inconvenience.
Sometimes, dentists say, an allergy to metal can be provoked by the fact that there are several types of such material in the mouth, between which a kind of “conflict” may arise over time. Therefore, doctors in this category try to timely determine the patient's tendency to such phenomena with the help of special devices even before the start of prosthetics.
Metal Allergy Treatment
The symptoms of the above disease are successfully eliminated with the help of medications. Antihistamine medications include:
- "Dimedrol";
- "Diazolin";
- "Suprastin";
- "Zodiac";
- "Tavegil".
Experts warn: it is dangerous to use the above drugs without a doctor's prescription! Only a doctor can correctly determine the true causes of allergic contact dermatitis and select the necessary dosage of the therapeutic agent, taking into account the individual characteristics of the individual patient.
The role of proper nutrition in the occurrence of allergic reactions to metal
When observing the symptoms of the above disease, special attention should be paid to the correct composition of your daily diet. Food for allergy sufferers plays an important role. First of all, experts strongly recommend not to eat foods that can cross-react with such an irritating allergen asnickel.
Short list of ingredients that are desirable to exclude from the diet of people prone to allergies to metals:
- mushrooms;
- herring;
- bow;
- asparagus;
- spinach;
- tomato;
- legumes;
- zucchini;
- pears;
- raisins;
- nuts;
- pastry.
It is also important not to cook food in nickel dishes, because the accumulation of the above metal in the body of this category of people is strictly contraindicated. In addition, it is recommended to abandon the use of preservation, both industrial and home-made.
Folk treatments for allergic reactions to metal
Our grandmothers, of course, did not know what the diagnosis and homeopathy of metal allergy were, but they knew how to treat it perfectly. Therefore, in the first-aid kit of Russian healers, there are always several effective ways in stock that can eliminate the symptoms of the above disease.
Alternative medicine healers suggest treating metal allergy dermatitis with the following remedies:
- use lotions from natural fresh cucumber or apple juice (products must be grown at home);
- apply fresh potato juice compresses;
- apply homemade fatty sour cream or butter to the affected areas of the skin;
- use tinctures from St. John's wort or oak bark.
But remember that before applyingthe above methods for the treatment of allergic dermatitis to metal, it is important to consult an experienced specialist. After all, any herb can aggravate your he alth condition, as it can be your potential allergen.
How to avoid allergic reactions to metal
There are a few tips to help prevent metal allergies:
- Buy jewelry made of silver and gold, be sure to be nickel-free.
- Remember that the period of wearing products from the above metals also has its limitations.
- Before going to bed, it is recommended to remove all jewelry. This is done for two reasons. First: to clean the products themselves in terms of energy. Second: to prevent the occurrence of allergic dermatitis on the skin.
- It is important to alternate between wearing silver and gold jewelry when experiencing metal allergy symptoms.
- Avoid stress and overwork, irritation and tension of the body. Indeed, it is against their background that many changes develop, which cause the appearance of a variety of allergic reactions, including metal.
- Eliminate synthetic clothing from your wardrobe. Also, do not use non-natural powders in everyday life.
Specialists note that people prone to allergic dermatitis to metal are undesirable to visit saunas, as well as a bath. After a shower, it is always recommended to moisturize the skin with a special nourishing cream.
Test onallergies
Allergy to metal always brings a lot of inconvenience. Therefore, in order to determine in time the tendency of your body to the appearance of allergic dermatitis, it is important to carry out an allergy test yourself. It is made according to the following recommendations:
- If the body already has symptoms of an allergic reaction, the allergy test is not done. It is important to wait until they disappear completely.
- After that, take the product that is suspected of causing discomfort and attach it to the skin of the forearm. It is recommended to wear this item for about three days.
- You cannot remove the above bandage at night.
Experts say that three days is enough to manifest an allergy to the metal. It may happen sooner.
Sufficiently serious disease - allergy to metal. Causes, symptoms and treatment are individual for each person. Experts do not recommend delaying the treatment of the above disease. After all, this disease can create favorable conditions for the development of other human he alth problems.
