Allergy to metal is not a rare phenomenon, but not everyone knows about the existence of this type of disease. According to statistics, this disease often overtakes the inhabitants of megacities and industrial centers, and it can manifest itself not immediately, but even years after the onset of exposure to the body. Consider how, why there is an allergy to metal, and by what methods it is treated.
Causes of allergy to metal
The main explanation of specific reactions to the effects of metals is individual sensitivity. When metal ions penetrate the body, a change in the structure of cellular proteins is provoked, as a result of which the immune system begins to perceive them as foreign elements. A consequence of this is the appearance of an inflammatory allergic reaction.
Metals are part of a wide variety of substances and objects that are encountered in everyday life, in connection with professional activities, the need for medical assistance, etc. Most often, allergenic metals are:
- nickel (it is widely used in the production of medical instruments, costume jewelery, clasps of clothes, etc.);
- silver and gold;
- copper (used in the manufacture of coins, jewelry, wires);
- aluminum (used for making dishes, is a part of antiperspirants);
- Chrome (used to cover metal products, is part of the paints);
- Cobalt (part of the decorative cosmetics, hair colors);
- zinc (used as part of fillings in dentistry).
Symptoms of allergy to metal
Most often, the allergy to metals appears on the skin and mucous membranes according to the type of contact dermatitis, which is associated with external contact with the stimulus. Manifestations in this case can be as follows:
- intense itching;
- redness;
- swelling;
- rashes (in the form of nodules, vesicles filled with fluid);
- dryness, peeling.
If the allergen gets into the body with food (for example, when cooking dishes in aluminum dishes), there are such symptoms:
- swelling of the larynx, tongue;
- digestive disorders;
- redness, itching in the anus;
- dysfunction of the urinary system.
Penetration of metal ions in the respiratory tract (for example, when inhaled metal vapor) often causes bronchial asthma with such signs as:
- dyspnea;
- dry coughing ;
- wheezing.
Treatment of allergies to metal
Before anything is smeared with allergies to metal skin areas on the hands, legs and other areas of the body, or take the medicine inside, you should ensure complete termination of contact with the stimulus. To remove allergens that penetrated the gastrointestinal tract, it is advisable to use special enterosorbents, which the doctor can prescribe.
Depending on the severity of the pathological process, local or systemic remedies are recommended for treatment:
- antihistamines ;
- corticosteroids;
- anti-inflammatory drugs.