What kind of disease is metal allergy?
Metal allergy is a disease that causes allergic reactions to certain metals.
There are two types of metallic dermatitis: contact dermatitis, in which symptoms occur in areas where metal comes into contact with the skin, and systemic metallic dermatitis, in which symptoms occur all over the body.
Normally, allergic reactions rarely occur just by touching metals, but when metals dissolve in sweat or saliva and become metal ions, these ions can cause allergic reactions on the surface of the skin or be taken into the body.
Nickel, cobalt, and chromium are the most common metals that cause metal allergies, but mercury, palladium, tin, platinum, zinc, and copper are also known to cause metal allergies.
Metals that come in contact with the skin include jewelry such as earrings and necklaces, small metal items on clothing, and eyeglass frames.
Metals that enter the mouth, such as those used in dental procedures and trace amounts of metals in food, can also cause allergies.
Metal allergy is a type of allergic reaction called delayed type allergy, and unlike immediate type allergies such as hay fever, it takes longer for symptoms to appear and the testing methods are different.
What are the symptoms of metal allergy?
Contact dermatitis causes redness, swelling, itching, and bumps on the skin where metal has come into contact with the skin.
Systemic metallic dermatitis has a variety of symptom patterns, including itching, redness, and eczema all over the body, blisters and pus on the hands and feet, and sores in the mouth.
Symptoms often appear 1-2 days after contact or ingestion of the causative metal.
What tests are performed if you suspect metal allergy?
A common test for metal allergy is the patch test.
This is a test in which a substance suspected as the cause of allergy is applied directly to the skin to see if an allergic reaction occurs.
Specifically, a patch containing the target metal is applied to normal skin, such as the back.
The skin condition will be observed and judged after 2 days, 3-4 days, and 1 week, respectively.
Other methods include a special blood test called the lymphocyte stimulation test.
It cannot be determined by the common blood tests performed for hay fever or food allergies.
What is the treatment for metal allergy?
The most important part of treating metal allergy is avoiding the metal that causes it.
For example, if you are allergic to nickel, which is a common cause of allergic reactions, avoiding nickel-containing accessories and choosing nickel-free products are effective measures to prevent nickel allergy.
It is also important to avoid foods such as legumes and nuts that contain a lot of metal in the case of systemic forms, and to consult a dentist if dental metal is the cause.
Steroid ointments are used to control skin symptoms that have already appeared.
Heavy sweating and skin wounds or infections can exacerbate allergic reactions, so it is also important to take care of the skin by frequently wiping away sweat, gently washing the skin, and moisturizing.
Management of metal allergies requires prevention and appropriate treatment.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as appropriate measures can be taken to ensure a comfortable life.
The following tests and treatments for metal allergy can be performed at Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic.
The clinic specializes in orthopedics, internal medicine, and sports medicine and can provide a variety of tests and treatments.
The following tests and treatments for metal allergies are available at our clinic.
Examination: (Please consult with the doctor about the patch test)
Treatment: Prescription of medications to control symptoms
At our clinic, we provide careful care and a peaceful environment,
We are committed to alleviating your concerns and supporting the improvement of your health.
Please feel free to take a walk and consult with us at our clinic.