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Why are some people allergic to metals? Uncovering the hidden world of nickel and cobalt!
For many people, metal allergy is an unexpected problem. Often, when people hear the word “allergy,” images of pollen or food allergies come to mind, but metal allergies are a phenomenon that should not be ignored. In fact, allergies to metals, especially nickel and cobalt, already affect the lives of millions of people. What mechanism is behind this allergic reaction?
The incidence of metal allergies is increasing, particularly in everyday products such as jewelry, clothing fasteners, and pharmaceutical products.
Symptoms and causes of metal allergy
The most common symptoms of a metal allergy are rash, itching, and redness at the site of contact. These symptoms sometimes occur where the metal made direct contact, but can sometimes extend to larger areas of the skin. Allergy to nickel is one of the most common metal allergies, especially in jewelry that is worn everyday.
According to research reports, nickel allergy affects approximately 2.5 million American adults and 250,000 children.
Nickel and cobalt: major allergens
Nickel and cobalt are the main allergens of metal allergies. Nickel is widely found in stainless steel products such as cookware and jewelry, while cobalt is common in medical products and some types of hair dye. These metals can bind to proteins in the skin, forming allergens that trigger a response from the immune system.
Immunological basis of allergic reactions
The mechanism of metal allergy is quite complex and can be divided into two stages: the induction stage and the stimulation stage. During the induction phase, metal ions bind to proteins in the skin, a process called "haptenization." The immune system then begins to produce memory cells to prepare for subsequent allergic reactions.
When an individual is exposed to the same metal allergen again, specific memory T cells will respond quickly, causing a local allergic reaction.
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis of metal allergy usually relies on medical history and skin examination. For chronic allergic conditions, your doctor may recommend patch testing to identify the specific type of allergen. The key to treatment is to avoid contact with these allergic metals, and if symptoms occur, corticosteroid creams can be used to relieve pain and inflammation.
Preventive measures in life
For people with metal allergies, choosing the right product and material is very important. For example, choose jewelry made of platinum, white gold, or hypoallergenic materials, and avoid metal products containing nickel.
When choosing skin care products and cleansers, understanding the ingredients is also key to reducing allergic reactions.
Social impact and research prospects
As awareness of metal allergies increases, researchers are conducting more in-depth research on this issue. Allergies not only affect individual health, but also put pressure on social medical resources. Safer materials and treatments may become available in the future to reduce the incidence of metal allergies.
Considering our frequent contact with metals in daily life, what measures can we take to protect our health in the face of the challenge of metal allergies?
