Allergy to metal or plastics?

Question

I need the advice of an allergist. How on earth can one develop an allergy to a non-protein, or a non-biochemical? I am allergic to nickel. Took me years to develop this sensitivity. Does the nickel form a protein complex that my body rejects, or what? Are there other metals that can produce allergies?

Answer 1

Yes, I had a friend that was allergic to copper. She found out the hard way and ended up in the hospital. It would enter her system through her skin, jewelery, cooking pots, meds, she had to be very careful. This was back in the 60s. I don't recall too much about her diagnosis except that she was very ill for a while and it was do to copper.

I almost forgot, Plastic, yes, there is an allergy to plastic gloves and now warning on Tampax too. Something to do with plastic.

Answer 2

I'm not an allergist, but.......

"Allergy to nickel is a phenomenon which has assumed growing importance in recent years, largely because of the introduction of cheap fancy jewelry in which the underlying metal layer consists of nickel. 10 to 12% of the female population and 6% of the male population are estimated to be allergic to nickel. In fact the allergy is not caused by nickel itself but by the nickel salts which are formed under the effect of perspiration in contact with the piece of jewelry piece or watch. This phenomenon is always accompanied by corrosion of the object.
Nickel allergy on the lobe due to contact with nickel The degree of allergy varies. Some people develop dermatitis (also called eczema) from even brief contact with nickel-containing items, while others break out only after many years of skin contact with nickel. Some people develop intermittent or persistent eczema on their hands and feet. It is usually a blistering type of eczema, known as pompholyx. Sometimes it is due to contact with metal items containing nickel, but often there is no obvious reason for it. It has been suggested that in some, dyshidrotic hand dermatitis is due to nickel in the diet. Unfortunately it is not possible to avoid ingesting nickel as it is present in most foodstuffs. A low-nickel diet is only rarely helpful."

I guess you couldn't call it an 'allergy', but my skin eats gold if it is less than 14k.I can't wear cheap jewelry of any kind. Good for me, bad for my lover :+)