Most allergies cause an immediate reaction. These include allergies to pollen, dust, animals, foods, and insects. However, metal allergy and other contact allergies are different. They cause a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that can take days or even weeks to react. Unlike immediate hypersensitivity reactions, they don’t get better with antihistamines. They are mediated by a different part of the immune system called Cell-Mediated Immunity.
Metal allergies are common contact allergies. Contact allergies affect at least 20% of the population and metal allergies, in particular, affect 10% to 15% of the population. When there is already a history of contact allergies, the incidence of multiple contact allergies goes up.
Common allergens that cause contact allergies include poison ivy, ingredients in creams, lotions, shampoos, and even certain hair dyes. Metals, rubber products, and even certain topical medications can cause contact allergies.
The most common contact allergies to metals include nickel, cobalt, copper, and chromium.
Common sources of reactions to metals include jewelry and piercings, backs of watches, belt buckles and other clothing items, glasses and even cooking utensils.
Medical devices that potentially have metals include, but are not limited to surgical orthopedic devices, cardiac stents and pacemakers, and dental products such as fillings, dental implants. Other sources include certain tattoo inks, foods, supplements, and cosmetics.
Metal Allergy Symptoms
Most of the time, contact allergies cause a rash. When implanted into the body, however, patients can have even more severe symptoms including:- Swelling
- Pain
- Draining sinuses
- Inflammation at the implant site that mimics infection
Common allergens that cause contact allergies include poison ivy, ingredients in creams, lotions, shampoos, and even certain hair dyes. Metals, rubber products, and even certain topical medications can cause contact allergies.
The most common contact allergies to metals include nickel, cobalt, copper, and chromium.
Common sources of reactions to metals include jewelry and piercings, backs of watches, belt buckles and other clothing items, glasses and even cooking utensils.
Medical devices that potentially have metals include, but are not limited to surgical orthopedic devices, cardiac stents and pacemakers, and dental products such as fillings, dental implants. Other sources include certain tattoo inks, foods, supplements, and cosmetics.