Metal Allergy

A metal allergy is an adverse reaction to metals that most people are exposed to regularly, such as gold, platinum, and nickel. This type of allergy can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe and can develop over time if not diagnosed and treated promptly. There are two main types of metal allergy, Contact Dermatitis and Occupational Allergy.

Signs & Symptoms

An allergic reaction to metal can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Common symptoms of metal allergy include

• Eczema
• Dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Itchy skin
• Hair loss

One of the most common signs is an eczematous reaction with redness and skin swelling in areas that come in contact with metal.

Causes & Risk Factors

The causes of metal allergy are not entirely known. However, there are some risk factors have been identified. One significant risk factor is exposure to metal dust or fumes from working with metal. Another risk factor includes the type of metal one is exposed to and a person’s sensitivity and reaction to that metal. For example, some people may be more sensitive or react differently than others when they come into contact with nickel or cobalt.

In contrast, other people may only react with copper or aluminum. Other environmental factors such as weather changes, stress levels, diet changes, and allergies to food or substances like smoke could also lead someone to develop this allergy.

Diagnosis & Tests

Metal allergies can be diagnosed with a patch test or blood test. A skin prick test involves pricking the skin and exposing it to metal allergens such as nickel and cobalt. The metal allergens are then scratched or rubbed into the stung area of the skin, and a reaction will occur if you are allergic. Another method of diagnosis is through blood tests which may be conducted after an intradermal injection of metal allergen extract under the skin.

Prevention & Management

The prevention and management of a metal allergy largely depend on the severity of the allergy. In many cases, treatment methods aim to reduce metal allergy symptoms. These may include antihistamines, topical creams, or immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is only available in some locations and requires many months or years of treatment before seeing any results. Furthermore, only some patients are eligible for this type of therapy. Topical creams coat the skin with an oily substance that prevents contact with metal allergens. Antihistamines help reduce itching and allergic reactions by blocking histamine release from mast cells. Topical creams coat the skin with an oily substance that prevents contact with metal allergens. A standard treatment method for mild allergies is oral antihistamines such as Allegra (fexofenadine) or Claritin (loratadine).

How Can We Help?

We are committed to providing comprehensive care for our patients at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. That includes metal allergy treatment. If you suspect a metal allergy, call us today for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment, such as medications or immunotherapy. To make an appointment, please call us on 850.969.2340.