Metal allergy refers to a type of hypersensitivity reaction of the body against metal substances. One of the most common types of metal allergy is skin allergy against nickel especially in women who are using cheap jewelries that are made from nickel or with high nickel alloy. It has been said that 10 percent of the population unknowingly suffer from some sort of metal allergy. This cell-mediated type of hypersensitivity reaction can irritate the skin, causing rashes, eczema and inflammation with every close contact with a metal allergen.
Orthopedic patients who have implants in them may suffer from metallic allergies in one way or the other and may manifest the same signs and symptoms of cell mediated hypersensitivity reaction. These manifestations will only stop when the implants made of metal are removed.
Back in the Victorian era, the aristocratic women of Europe were fond of white creams to make their faces powdery white. This back then was trend of beauty and refinement. However, this powder caused poisoning because the powder itself was made of lead. For women who used this on themselves who had suffered from lead poisoning also suffered severe cases of metal allergy from using lead. Continue reading ‘History of Metal Allergy – Basics’ »