Anyone can be allergic to metal, because products made of this material surround us from almost every side: in kitchen utensils, coins, jewelry, etc. In this case, the allergy is revealed when the allergic person comes into contact with metal. This is because the body misreads the allergen and overreacts to it.
The obvious way to get rid of allergy symptomsis to limit contact with the metal to which you are allergic. Unfortunately, there are cases where this is very difficult or even impossible to do. The most common are nickel, chromium and aluminum, although it is true that you can be allergic to any other metal. The symptoms of such an allergy include:
- Reddening,
- skin swelling,
- Peeling,
- drying,
- Itch.
Sometimes there are more serious symptoms, such as conjunctivitis and shortness of breath, which can lead to asthma. Unfortunately, in the case of a metal allergy, symptoms can persist for several weeks. That is why it is worth performing allergy tests and desensitization that can eliminate allergy to a given metal.
Patch tests (“skin tests”)
Patch tests is currently the most frequently used tool for diagnosing this type of allergies. They are used to detect contact allergy to small molecule compounds – metals, drugs, natural resins, fragrances, synthetic resins, rubber components, adhesives, plants, perfumes. In combination with exposure to ultraviolet rays, they are used to detect photoallergy.
More specifically, they consist in the application of a small amount of a potential allergen to the skin, e.g. on the back. Usually, there are several or several dozen allergens at the same time. Then the skin is observed in the place where the compound was applied. Observation is made at intervals: 2,3,4, XNUMX, XNUMX days after the test has been established.
If there is an inflammation on the skin, it means that we are dealing with an allergy. Thanks to this method, it is known what a person must avoid in order not to have an allergic reaction. Patch tests they do not require special preparation on the part of the patient and are completely safe, because the amount of allergens applied is applied only to a small area of the skin and in small amounts.
This type of test can be performed in any patient with chronic, itchy eczema and lichenification, when there is a suspicion that contact allergy may be the cause. During the tests, you cannot wet your back, you must also avoid perspiration and sudden movements, and the substances are left on the skin for 48 hours.