An allergy is basically a hypersensitive reaction to a particular allergen. Certain allergens such as dust and pollen can trigger symptoms similar to hay fever such as runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes. Metal allergy does not usually trigger these effects since the symptoms typically take the form of a negative reaction on the skin due to physical contact with the metal allergen.
Contact dermatitis
It is important to note that the symptoms of contact dermatitis usually include itchiness, skin rashes, reddening of the skin and blisters that can lead to scaly, dry patches. Contact dermatitis is considered as the usual symptom of metal allergy particularly upon contact with nickel which is a metal present in costume jewelry, zippers, bra claps and other household items.
The symptoms of contact dermatitis can manifest between 6-24 hours after the individual was exposed to the metal allergen. Individuals who are highly sensitive to nickel can also experience an allergic reaction when eating foods that contain nickel such as chocolate or fish. It is important to remove the item that causes a reaction in order to relieve the symptoms of an allergic response. You can apply hydrocortisone cream in order to provide relief from the itchiness while waiting for the symptoms to diminish. By enrolling in a first aid course, you can learn how to properly manage this condition.
Mercury and copper allergies
The metals that commonly trigger allergies tends to occur on the surface of the skin but metals that were inserted in the body for medical purposes including amalgam fillings in the dental cavities and intrauterine devices made out of copper can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Dental fillings that contain amalgam or a combination of metal including mercury can also trigger an allergic response. Some individuals suffer from localized allergy symptoms that are similar to contact dermatitis.
Women who have IUD made out of copper tend to suffer from itchiness and swelling in the eyelids and around the mouth. In some cases, symptoms of severe itchiness and rash all over the body tend to occur.
Allergic reaction to metal implants
The metal joint implants can also trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals. The symptoms of metal allergy to one or more metals present in orthopedic implants typically include itchiness, swelling and rashes on the skin at the site of the implant.
In some cases, symptoms such as weakness and fatigue are also reported. Most cases of allergic reactions usually involve implants including cobalt or nickel. The other metals utilized in the manufacturing of implants such as tantalum, titanium and zirconium do not trigger the characteristic allergy symptoms. With the availability of ceramic or ceramic-coated metal implants, they were specifically developed to help reduce the reactions to metal allergy among orthopedic patients.