What's Scarier, The Halloween Costume OR The Allergic Response?

We are nearing Halloween.  Did you buy a costume yet?  If you haven't, it would be worth your time to consider which costumes and makeup use the most safe ingredients. Many Halloween costumes and makeup contain chemicals that are toxic for everyone....allergy or not!

WebMD predicts that approximately 10% of the people will experience an allergic reaction to cosmetics in their lifetime.  Parents need to carefully consider that the quality of Halloween cosmetics is more important than a low price.  The lower the price for Halloween cosmetics, the greater the risk that toxins may be present.

HealthyStuff.org tested many Halloween costumes and related products.  And the findings were interesting:

"We found that seasonal products, like thousands of other products we have tested, are often full of dangerous chemicals," according to Jeff Gearhart, research director at HealthyStuff.org. "Poorly regulated toxic chemicals consistently show up in seasonal products. Hazardous chemicals in consumer products pose unnecessary and avoidable health hazards to children, consumers, communities, workers and our environment."

Our testing found heavy metals and other additives are commonly found in Halloween costumes and accessories. These chemicals include lead, flame retardants, tin compounds and phthalates -- harmful chemicals that are linked to asthma, reproductive problems, developmental and learning disabilities, hormone problems and cancer.

Halloween costumes and makeup may contain lead, bromine (brominated flame retardants), chlorine (vinyl/PVC plastic), phthalates, arsenic, and tin (organotins). 

 

What Kind of Allergic Response Can Happen 

With Halloween Costumes?

Mayo Clinic, reports that allergic contact dermatitis happens when a person comes into regular contact with a substance they are sensitive or allergic to. In the case of Halloween costumes, metal accessories that rub on the skin could present a problem for some people.  This also must be considered for Halloween makeup, which goes directly onto the skin (the largest organ in the body).
In other words, parents really MUST consider the quality of the products they choose for Halloween costumes and accessories. One other tip MayoClinic suggests is to wear such accessories over clothing (to avoid skin contact) or to avoid purchasing such items at all.

 

 

Halloween Makeup Risks

Makeup
Joel Schlessinger ia a board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf.com adviser.  Schelssinger says that costume makeup often contains artificial dyes, fragrances, waxes and oils, all of which can clog pores, cause breakouts and irritate skin.

"Theater makeup is made with higher quality ingredients and has less risk of skin irritation. Most theater makeup has the same high pigment payoff, but it's designed to sit on the skin for long periods of time and tends to be gentler on skin. These cosmetics are also FDA-approved and free of harmful ingredients like lead"

  As with any unfamiliar makeup, you'll always want to perform a patch test on your neck or the underside of your arm to make sure you won't have a negative reaction," he added. "If you see signs of irritation, avoid putting the makeup on your face. Don't hesitate to see a doctor if the costume makeup gives your skin an itchy or blistering rash."

P.S. from Pam-Iron Oxide is one of my allergic trigger ingredients.  MOST cosmetics and makeup contain Iron Oxide as the coloring agent.  So if you have the same allergy as I do, AVOID Halloween makeup!!! The same goes for face painting.

 


Alternatives would be to use paint and pencils made from clay or other natural ingredients, or make your own.








Adhesives/Glues
 Answer this question: Would you put Crazy Glue or Elmer's Glue on your face? NO way!  Those glues can damage your complexion.  Buy only glues and adhesives that are approved for stage and theater use. When you apply fake eyelashes, be careful to keep the eyelash glue out of your eyes AND to avoid gluing your eyelids shut. A surprise trip to the emergency room would certainly ruin Halloween!



Fake Blood and Skin
Fake blood is often made with red dye and a petroleum base that can cause irritation to the skin. A better bet would be to make your own fake blood by using corn syrup, flour, and food coloring.
As far as fake/prosthetic skin, you can avoid skin irritation by buying higher quality theater props. The fake skin or prosthetics you will find in the party store will probably cause irritation.  Be aware that most of these products contain latex.  So be sure you aren't allergic to latex before you buy them.



Read more of Joel Schlessigner's advice here.

Do you want to check to see some of the costumes HealthyStuff.org tested?  Use this link. 


Have a happy and healthy Halloween!

 

iWatch, FitBit and Other Wearable Technology Risks Contact Dermatitis

Wearable technology, such as the FitBit and iWatch have made our lives much easier.  Wrist-worn devices like the Up, Force and Flex also offer water proof wearability. How great is it to be able to keep track of your heartrate, the calories burned, your blood pressure and your GPS location with one little item that is strapped onto your wrist? What a great way to save time and effort!

Wearable Technology Could Save Our Health

Source: CheapNurseDegrees.com



The Fitbit Force has been a  popular trend of wearable tech that was recently recalled.
The Fitbit Force wearable is officially off the market as of mid-Mar 2014, due to complaints of skin irritation, blistering, and contact dermatitis. Over 1 million FitBit units sold in the U.S. and Canada since October 2013. Since then, nearly 10,000 complaints of blistering and skin irritation were reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

“Based on our investigation, we are now confident that our users who experienced allergic contact dermatitis likely reacted either to very small levels of methacrylates, which were part of the adhesives used to manufacture Force or, to a lesser degree, nickel in the stainless steel casing,” read an open letter from Fitbit CEO and co-founder James Park.

Fitbit is offering a refund for customers who have experienced skin irritation caused by the device. Here is the company's full statement:

"We are looking into reports from a very limited number of Fitbit Force users who have been experiencing skin irritation, possibly as a result of an allergy to nickel, an element of surgical-grade stainless steel used in the device.

We suggest that consumers experiencing any irritation discontinue using the product and contact Fitbit at force@fitbit.com if they have additional questions. Customers may also contact Fitbit for an immediate refund or replacement with a different Fitbit product.

We are sorry that even a few consumers have experienced these problems and assure you that we are looking at ways to modify the product so that anyone can wear the Fitbit Force comfortably. We will continue to update our customers with the latest information."

One possibility for the skin irritations  is that users are wearing the Fitbit through the day, when sweat, soap and moisturizers are being trapped under the smartband, causing “contact dermatitis.”






The FitBit Help FAQ site has this statement:
Because Fitbit received reports of skin irritation from a small percentage of Force users, we have decided to stop sales of Force and conduct a voluntary recall. 

The iWatch Also Has Some User Complaints 

About Skin Irritation

 

Apple's iWatch Manual has the following statement:

Some versions of the watch and wristlets contain nickel and methacrylates. This is quite natural for a product of such type, and should not cause any problems, but if you are sensitive to these materials, you’d better reject magnetic wristlets.
If your skin becomes red, in case of edema, itch and other symptoms of irritation or allergic reaction, Apple recommends to contact your doctor before wearing the watch again.

Is There Any Other Explanation For 

Skin Rash Tied to Wearable Technology?

Some experts say that trapped moisture and bacteria are the most likely causes of the rash, not the nickel. Wearable technology like the Up, Force and Flex advertise their ability to be immersed in water.  So many users simply never take them off, even in the shower.


Dermatologist J. Todd Williams, M.D. explained, "there is one type of dermatitis called 'irritant' dermatitis that just comes from irritation from water/sweat etc..." So basically, a build up of moisture (and bacterial growth) is kept tight against the skin.  This can cause sores and rashes on those with particularly sensitive skin. These are likely the same people who  commonly experience similar reactions to watchbands, bracelets and rings. For instance, Williams says, newlyweds often complain of irritation from water being trapped under their rings while washing dishes. For the newlyweds, both experiences may be new: wearing the wedding ring and doing more domestic chores.



 The National Institute of Health says mild cases of allergic contact dermatitis can take days or weeks to disappear.  People experiencing  persistent rash and skin irritation should consult a dermatologist.

Help...I am allergic to my Musical Instrument

 Creating music is a satisfying way to bring beauty into our lives.  Some of us enjoy play musical instruments as a hobby, while others earn a living this way.

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent ― Victor Hugo 

What happens if you are allergic to 

your career or your hobby?

  Whether you are a weekend musician or a professional, there is a risk that you develop Contact Dermatitis by the musical instrument. (Read about Contact Dermatitis HERE)

Contact Dermatitis can be caused by cosmetics, metals, & jewelry.  Musical instruments present another source of irritation, since some of the components of instruments have metals that come in contact with the skin.

Although musical instruments are classified as Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion, and so on, most of them contain nickel on some areas.  And when there is ongoing skin contact with nickel, there is a greater risk for dermatitis to occur. 
 

A LIST OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS

IN VARIOUS INSTRUMENTS:

Brass instruments (flute, trombone, trumpet, tuba)

• Metals found in the instruments, such as nickel, cobalt, palladium, silver and gold, can cause contact dermatitis.
• Lip swelling can result from the pressure of forcing air through instrument mouthpieces.
• Infections of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and non-MRSA) and herpes simplex virus can spread through the sharing of mouthpieces.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis A, B and C also can be spread if instruments are not cleaned properly.

Woodwind instruments (bassoon, clarinet, oboe, saxophone)

• A variety of specific allergens are responsible for irritant contact dermatitis in these musicians.
  • Cane reeds
  • Chromium
  • Cobalt
  • Exotic woods
  • Nickel

• Lip swelling, infections and the spread of viruses (as described above) also can occur from playing these instruments.

String instruments (cellos, violas, violins)

• The composition of these instruments and products used with these instruments may contain allergens that can cause contact dermatitis in musicians.
  

  • Chromium
  • Exotic woods
  • Nickel
  • Paraphenylenediamine (staining agent for woods)
  • Propolis (bee glue), a component of Italian varnishes used in all Stradivarius violins
  • Rosin

                   Musicians At Risk For Common Skin Condition

I strongly suspect that many brass players actually may have borderline metal contact allergies but they just attribute the symptoms of feeling stiff or rubbery or general loss of control on just being “a bad day.” There are bad days to be sure, but the point to make very clearly to readers is that not every bad day is the result of overplaying or a bad warm-up or whatever. It really could be a metal sensitivity kicking in.

         
           John Ericson    Horn Matters

I have nickel allergy,  how do I

 avoid dermatitis from my musical instrument?

• Limit exposure to nickel, ask prior to purchasing if the instrument contains nickel, nickel plate, or copper/nickel alloy in the areas that will be in prolonged contact with the skin. If unsure, question sales personnel or manufacturers.  You may be allowed test items with Nickel Alert prior to purchase.
• The parts of musical instruments with which you have ongoing direct contact should be tested for nickel content. Wash mouthpieces after testing.
• Nickel Alert is safe to use as directed on any metal item.
• Consider testing: Keys, mouthpieces, guitar and cello strings, and tuners.

Perspiration from heat and humidity aid the transfer of nickel salts—the true culprit of nickel allergy—and increases the symptoms of the allergy.

                   http://athenaallergy.com/pages/nickel-allergy-and-musical-instruments

 So HOW Can I Keep Playing My Horn IF I Am Allergic To It?

 1. Make a change-if the musical instrument causes irritation due to friction or pressure, change the area of contact. For instance, wear protective gloves to reduce irritation to the fingers.

2. Find a replacement-if the musical instrument causes Contact Dermatitis, substitute that component.  Mouthpieces and guitar strings are available in different compositions that avoid nickel.






 Resources for Nickel-Free Mouthpiece Alternatives 

• 

   

  Giddings and Webster Mouthpieces
  

  
  

  Producing a complete line of mouthpieces for

  
  

  Trumpet, Cornet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba

  Manufactured from the finest materials, making mouthpieces of the highest quality.

  Using surgical grade stainless steel and  titanium for our instrument mouthpieces.

  Played in professional orchestras, concert bands, marching bands, community bands, brass bands,

  jazz band, drum corps international, colleges, and highs schools.

  From amateur to avid pro Giddings and Webster has your mouthpiece needs covered.

Kelly Mouthpieces offers mouthpieces that are Stainless Steel, Silver Plated, and Plastic

 

 

  

 

 

It is important to reduce/eliminate further exposure to Nickel, once the skin shows irritation or Contact Dermatitis.  Further exposure will cause more frequent  and more severe allergic response.

 

 

 

Have you experienced an allergic response to a musical instrument?  Do you have other resources to recommend? I would love to hear from you.

 

 

 

What Happens When A Celebrity Has Nickel Allergy? (Nickel Plating)

Many times, I tend to feel sorry for myself....that I have Nickel and Iron Oxide Allergies.  It is easy to see celebrities on TV or in movies and think, "They are so lucky! Their lives are PERFECT! They get dressed up in designer clothes, get to wear high priced jewelry and do everything!  I can't do all that because of my allergy!"

It turns out that quite a few celebrities have allergies of various kinds.  So are there any celebrities who have nickel allergy?

Meet Jeremy Clarkson: Nickel Allergy Sufferer

Jeremy Clarkson, British writer and former host of BBC's Top Gear, has an allergy to nickel.  Like many of the rest of us, Jeremy realized he had the allergy when he developed scabs and a rash on his legs.  Apparently the rivets in his jeans irritated his skin.  And whenever Jeremy appeared on Top Gear, he always wore denim jeans.  Denim jeans has been a trademark for Jeremy.


This allergy is pretty ironic, since Jeremy's claim to fame is sourced in his love of cars.  Cars and car knowledge is Jeremy's other trademark. And considering that cars contain a lot of metal (duh,) working with cars risk a lot of exposure and the chances of contact dermititis.


One of the steps Jeremy has taken to prevent further exposure to nickel is to apply nail varnish on the metal car parts that tend to contain nickel.  In general,  only batteries and a few other parts contain nickel. However, many car parts have Nickel Plating.

So How Is Nickel Plating Used?

Nickel plating can be used for a variety of different things.
- It creates a corrosion resistant coating that will protect the base metal from oxidizing and rusting. It is frequently used in food processing to prevent contamination with iron.
- It can increase the hardness and thus the durability of mechanical parts and tools.
- It can allow you to solder to difficult metals.
- It can create a variety of beautiful decorative finishes that range from a chrome-like gleam, to brushed stainless steel color, to a metallic black. It just so happens that black nickel plating is used frequently in aerospace applications
- In thicker platings, it can make the object magnetic.

            High-Quality-and-safe-Nickel-Plating/

Nickel metal is used to provide hard-wearing decorative and engineering coatings as 'nickel-plating' or 'electroless nickel coating' or 'electroforming'. When used with a top layer of chromium, it is popularly known as 'chrome-plating'. When done in combination with silicon carbide it is known as composite plating.
Nickel is a key part of several rechargeable battery systems used in electronics, power tools, transport and emergency power supply. Most important today are nickel-metal hydride (NiMH).
Where & Why Nickel Is Used

 Jeremy Clarkson does not let nickel allergy 

or anything else slow him down

Just take a look at this statement he made:

“No really. If you only have seven years left, that means the Reaper will be dropping round for tea and buns in about 61,000 hours from now. You therefore shouldn’t be wasting time by pootling to the garden centre at walking pace. So come on, grandad. The clock’s ticking. Pedal to the metal. Or you’ll be in your flowerbed before the plants you bought.”
― Jeremy Clarkson

Not many things will hold him down.  On March 24, 2015 BBC announced that  Jeremy Clarkson has officially been fired as the host of Top Gear following a fight with a producer of the show, Oisin Tymon. Yet in the wake of this, it seems unlikely that Jeremy Clarkson will be ending his writing career or his career with the car industry.


Throughout the years, Jeremy Clarkson has been a controversial celebrity. He has made many statements that have turned the public opinion against him.  However, he has the winning attitude that it takes to overcome Nickel Allergy in a Nickel Plated World. 


Thanks for stopping by!  Please leave a comment and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

What is Contact Dermatitis?

Dermatitis is an inflamed skin disorder that usually appears in form of rashes. Like other skin disorders, dermatitis can cause immense discomfort to the affected person.  Contact Dermatitis is also called Eczema.

The most noticeable symptom of dermatitis is a rash. However, at the initial stage, a rash will not  appear. Regardless, the affected person will experience allergic reaction; and with repeated exposure, the rash will appear.


The Dermatitis rash can be triggered by an irritant, allergic reaction, or damage to the skin. The immune system, then begins attacking the skin layers causing the rash.

As many as one half of all cases of allergic contact dermatitis appear to be associated with exposure to approximately 25 agents.  One of those agents is Nickel, which is found in earrings and other metal jewelry, and even in cell phones and other handheld communication devices. Nickel is the leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis in patch test clinics around the world.

 

 

 

There Are Two Kinds of Contact Dermatitis

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

This form of Dermatitis is a non-immune reaction, which happens when the skin is exposed to an irritant chemical or physical agent (alkalis in soaps or solvents). It can develop after touching a strong irritant one time OR after repeated contact with the irritating substance.  Skin that has been previously injured is more susceptible to irritant contact dermatitis.  Think of this type of Dermatitis as "dish pan hands".  Approximately 80% of cases fit into this category.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

This form of Dermatitis is a a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. It can develop after a person touches an allergy-triggering substance, such as nickel, cosmetics, poison ivy, bacitracin, neomycin, and oleoresin. Approximately 20% of cases fit into this category.

Contributory or predisposing factors

• Patients with a history of atopic dermatitis are at increased risk of developing irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis, it is not uncommon for such patients to develop contact allergy to common allergens, especially topical medications and nickel
• Exposure to dry air (low humidity) makes skin more vulnerable to cutaneous irritants
• Various occupations may lead to a increased risk of exposure and development of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis

http://dermatitiscontacto.blogspot.com/2015/08/got-rash-you-might-be-allergic-to-nickel.html

What is the best way to treat Contact Dermatitis?

The first thing to realize is this - 

there is no cure for Contact Dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis is best treated as other autoimmune conditions.  Controlling the irritating symptoms presents the most demanding and immediate need.  Topical creams, steroids, and antibiotics are often prescribed for the rash and discomfort.


But prescription treatments do not treat the cause of Contact Dermatitis.  To treat the cause, the person must reduce or totally eliminate exposure to the irritant that causes this allergic response.  Ignoring this side of the treatment will only cause a more extreme allergic response.  If you are not sure what the allergen/irritant is, then an allergy patch test will probably be needed (and performed by an allergy specialist). After the allergen/irritant is discovered, then lifestyle changes can be made, in order to reduce or eliminate exposure.

 

 

 

Alternative Therapies Can Help 

With Managing Contact Dermatitis

Nutrition

Check with your doctor before giving a supplement to a child.

• Avoid exposure to environmental or food allergens. Common foods that cause allergic reactions are dairy, soy, citrus, peanuts, wheat (and sometimes all gluten-containing grains), fish, eggs, corn, and tomatoes.
• Eat fewer saturated fats (meats, especially poultry, and dairy), refined foods, and sugar. These foods contribute to inflammation in the body.
• Eat more fresh vegetables, whole grains, and essential fatty acids (cold-water fish, nuts, and seeds).
• Fish oil -- In one study, people taking fish oil equal to 1.8 g of EPA (one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil) had significant reduction in symptoms of eczema after 12 weeks. Researchers think that may be because fish oil helps reduce leukotriene B4, an inflammatory substance that plays a role in eczema. If you take anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications), talk to your doctor before taking fish oil. If you're taking high-dose fish oil, make sure you use a brand that removes most of the vitamin A. Too much vitamin A over time can be toxic. The dose used in this study is very high; speak with your doctor to find the right dosage for you.
• Probiotics (bifidobacteria and lactobacillus, 3 to 5 billion live organisms per day) may boost the immune system and control allergies, especially in children. In fact, studies show that taking probiotics during pregnancy, or early infancy, can protect against the development of dermatitis. However, the scientific studies are mixed; more research is needed to know for sure if probiotics will help reduce eczema symptoms. People with severely weakened immune systems should speak with their doctors before taking probiotics.
• Evening primrose oil -- In some studies, evening primrose oil helps reduce the itching associated with eczema. However, other studies have found no benefit. People who take anticoagulants (blood thinners) should talk to their doctor before taking evening primrose oil.
• Borage oil, like evening primrose oil, contains the essential fatty acid GLA (500 to 900 mg per day, in several doses -- amount of GLA varies by supplement), which acts as an anti-inflammatory. Evidence is mixed, with some studies showing that GLA helps reduce eczema symptoms and others showing no effect. People who take anticoagulants (blood thinners) should talk to their doctor before taking evening primrose oil.
• Vitamin C (1,000 mg, 2 to 4 times per day) can act as an antihistamine. In one study, it helped reduce symptoms of eczema, but more studies are needed. Rose hips or palmitate are citrus free and hypoallergenic.
• Bromelain (100 to 250 mg, 2 to 4 times per day), an enzyme derived from pineapple, helps reduce inflammation. Bromelain can have a blood-thinning effect. Talk to your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medications.
• Flavonoids, antioxidants found in dark berries and some plants, have anti-inflammatory properties, strengthen connective tissue, and may help reduce allergic reactions. The following flavonoids may be taken in dried extract form: Catechin (25 to 150 mg, 2 to 3 times per day), quercetin (50 to 250 mg, 2 to 3 times per day), hesperidin (50 to 250 mg, 2 to 3 times per day), and rutin (50 to 250 mg, 2 to 3 times per day).

Herbs

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider. Always tell your doctor about any herbs you may be taking. When applying herbs to the skin it is important to make sure that you have no open wounds as serious infection can result.

• Topical creams and salves containing one or more of the following herbs may help relieve itching and burning, and promote healing. The best evidence is for chamomile (Matricaria recutita). Chickweed (Stellaria media), marigold (Calendula officinalis), and licorice (Glycyrrhia glabra) may be helpful, although there is little scientific evidence to support the benefits. One study did find a licorice cream was more effective than placebo.
• Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) cream can relieve itching. Liquid witch hazel can help with "weeping" or oozing dermatitis.
• St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), used as a topical cream, has shown promise in one double blind study. People with eczema who used St. John's wort on one arm and a placebo cream on the other saw more improvement with the arm treated with St. John's wort.
• Other herbs that have traditionally been applied to the skin to treat dermatitis include Sarsaparilla (Smilax sp.) and marshmallow (Althea officinalis).

When I realized I was dealing with Allergic Contact Dermatitis, I spent a lot of time trying to learn about it.  I really wanted a cure, but couldn't find anything about someone beating this auto-immune ailment. And it felt like a lot of everyday items contained my trigger-points, that are Nickel and Iron Oxide.  I truly had to start making some changes in my lifestyle and daily routines in order to reduce exposure to these ingredients.  But over time, all the pieces fell into place, and I have found a new "normal". 

I feel most fortunate that my experiences with Contact Dermatitis is not more extreme.  Many people I have met who have the same ailment have much more extreme allergic response than I have.
I guess it's all relative to your circumstances.  :)

Source: Dermatitis | University of Maryland Medical Center

Nickel Allergy Blogs and Groups

When I found out I had Nickel and Iron Oxide allergies, I felt so alone.  My dermatologist, who made the diagnosis had said:

"What I can tell you is that you have this allergy.  Here is a list of general information regarding Nickel & Iron Oxide allergies. The rest is something you are going to have to figure out."

That was less than consoling. For the next week, I wandered around in a hopeless funk.  It's long been my pattern to search out natural ways to treat ailments.  I have been the "go to" person at my school whenever someone wondered which supplements to take. But NOW, I didn't know where to start.


For the next month, I spent a lot of time on the internet, just searching out basic info on avoiding nickel & iron oxide.  Eventually, I found some blogs written by fellow nickel allergy sufferers.  And THAT is where I found the greatest help.  I haven't really found anyone else who addresses the Iron Oxide allergy.  And I continue to try to find out if nickel and iron oxide are one in the same.  These two are connected somehow in chemistry, that is all I know.  I never took Chemistry, so that is as much as I know.

So Much Can Be Learned From Others Who Carry The Same Burdens.
The same can be said in the world of nickel allergy sufferers.

 

 

There are a number of great blogs about Nickel Allergies.  

Here is a list of some I have found.  

 

 Naturally Nickel Free by Donna Jo Wallace

http://naturallynickelfree.blogspot.com/

Donna Jo writes about her experiences and her handmade jewelry business.  I truly love 

Donna Jo's artistry. Her blog offers some great discussions about nickel-free jewelry.

 

 

Nickel Food Allergy by Christy Cushing
http://nickelfoodallergy.com/blog/

Christy addresses the dietary aspect of having a nickel allergy. She writes about great recipes, and her experiences while eating in restaurants. There is a lot more included here.

 

 

Nickely Challenged by Barbara Njuguna

http://www.nickelychallenged.com/

This blog provides tips on meal modification, etiquette, stories, product reviews, and more. 

 

 

 

 

Ask The Allergista
http://www.theallergista.com/

Here you will find product reviews, fashion tips, other people's stories, and access to petitions for legislation and for nickel free products.

 

There are some great communities for nickel allergy sufferers, and this is where we can lighten each other's burdens  :) 

Eczema Caused By Nickel Allergy

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1011417188879647/
This is a Facebook group where members share experiences, product reviews, and resources.  It is a closed group and you can request to join.

Nickel Allergy

https://www.facebook.com/groups/nickelallergy/
Here is a new public Facebook group started by Barbara Njuguna. Members are allowed to share tips and product reviews. We would love to see this community grow, so join us!

 

 

Patient Info: Nickel Allergy Forum

http://patient.info/forums/discuss/nickel-allergy-361733

NeuroTalk: Darn Nickel Allergy With Dermatitis 

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php

 

 

I would love to hear from you about the resources you have found.  Have you got some favorite blogs or communities for nickel allergy info?
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sea Salt for Eczema and Nickel/Iron Oxide Reactions

One of the worst symptoms of Nickel and Iron Oxide allergies is the eczema and itchy rash that occurs after exposure.  Sometimes the reaction helps to draw attention to the fact that something is being an irritant to your skin.  Perhaps you didn't even know that a particular piece of clothing, or jewelry had nickel in it until you got the eczema reaction.

 

About 20 years ago,  Dr. Douglas Leavengood, an allergist based in Biloxi, Mississippi, noticed that many of his eczema patients improved  after spending lots of time in the ocean in the summer. So Leavengood’s daughter tried it out with her own kids who suffered from eczema. She gave them daily sea salt baths and noticed their skin became less red and irritated.

Leavengood now recommends daily sea salt baths (about a handful in the tub) for all of his young patients, and commonly sees an improvement in redness, itchiness and dryness in as little as a week to 10 days. “It’s the most impressed I’ve ever been with a home therapy for anything,” he tells Allergic Living.

Scientific study would be necessary to conclusively prove that the treatment really works, as well as how it works. (Leavengood wonders if the salt may somehow help the skin to stay moist, or if perhaps it acts as an antibacterial agent.) What’s more, Leavengood’s patients often have severe cases, so they still require prescription creams and antihistamines.
Still, he says, “for a lot of mild cases, try this and a good moisturizing cream, and you’re good to go.”

http://allergicliving.com/2012/02/08/using-sea-salt-for-eczema-control/

How Can Sea Salt Help to Reduce 

Eczema Reactions?

Eczema skin is diagnosed as being dry, not because it lacks grease or oil, but because it fails to retain water. Therefore, to correct dryness, water is added to the skin, followed by an emollient which can help to retain the moisture. This can be done by soaking the affected area in a basin of water with Dead Sea Bath Salts or soaking the entire body in a Dead Sea Salt bath for 20 minutes using warm water. Pat the skin with a soft towel to remove excess water, and immediately apply essential oil or cream to seal in moisture.


 Toxins in the environment, as well as airborne allergens can greatly effect eczema. Dead Sea salt baths can help in cleansing and detoxifying the skin by removing the irritants and impurities that are otherwise trapped, while restoring some of the skin's depleted minerals.


It's a common misconception that Dead Sea Bath Salts dry out the skin. Although this would be true of many of the other types of salt on the market, Therapeutic grade Dead Sea Bath Salt containing only 4% sodium provide minerals which the skin and body need. These minerals help to strengthen skin and balance out it’s PH levels.

 

 

Use Cream or Essential Oils to Seal in Moisture 

Following the Sea Salt Bath

Essential oils such as lavender, geranium, melaleuca, frankincense, or chamomile will provide soothing effects to reduce itchy, flaking, and possibility of infection.


Topical corticosteroids creams quickly help relieve itching and reduce inflammation. Barrier repair moisturizers help lock water into skin, repair damaged skin, and reduce dryness, redness, and itching. Topical immunomodulators can reduce inflammation without steroids. Many of these creams are OTC treatments.  Consult your doctor regarding which is best for you.

 

 

How Long Does it Take For 

The Sea Salt Bath to Work?

The severe itching associated with eczema usually subsides in 1-2 weeks when treated with Dead Sea Bath Salts, even if the skin has not yet shown much response. Visual clearing can take up to 6 weeks. Many eczema sufferers can slightly reduce the number of Dead Sea Salt Bath’s taken per week, once they have achieved their desired results.

http://thehealingbath.ca/about-the-dead-sea/dead-sea-salt-heal-the-body/

Nickel Exposure Side Effects and Warnings

Many, many years ago, I wore clip on earrings on a daily basis.  The earrings were basic costume jewelry, cute and inexpensive.  I had an ongoing irritation on my earlobes.  Sometimes it was red and itchy, while other times it was crusty and oozing.  I continued wearing the earrings.


A couple of years later, I got my ears pierced and figured my problems were over.  DUH!  While I had some improvement, I found that I had trouble whenever I wore gold plated earrings.  I had to wear 24k gold.  Life went on, and I usually wore 24k gold earrings.  Every once in awhile, I'd wear costume jewelry and suffer for a few days after.


It never crossed my mind that I was intensifying an allergy with each exposure.  About 10 years later, I started coloring my hair, and have never stopped since then... it's been decades! I had little bouts of blisters on my scalp after coloring my hair.  At one point, I told my Kineseologist/Chiropractor about the blisters.  He said I needed to make some changes immediately.  The doctor gave me a phone number for a beautician who takes special care in this treatment.  The beautician generously talked with me about adding Poly-Sorbate 80 to my hair coloring as a protection of the scalp from the chemicals. So I've done that for at least 10 years.

But when my eye problems exploded, with a diagnosis of chronic conjunctivitis and ocular rosacea, all these past little annoyances became a focus as an irritant to my eyes.  And following a nasty allergy panel on my back, lasting 5 days, the diagnosis was severe allergies to nickel and iron oxide.
 Turns out all the jewelry exposure and the hair coloring exposed me to toxic amounts of nickel and iron oxide.  Now drastic changes were facing me.

Prolonged exposure to heavy metal allergens like nickel and iron oxide will intensify the allergic reaction.  The sooner we eliminate exposure to the metals, the better we can manage the allergies in the future.  ANY nickel allergy can become a more severe condition if continues to be irritated. 

 

Nickel Allergy Side Effects and Warnings (from Clark's Nutrition)

• Nickel exposures may result from cigarette smoke, airborne particles from combustion of fossil fuels, and contact with stainless steel kitchen utensils, stainless steel and nickel-plated articles, and inexpensive jewelry. People working in or living near industries and facilities that manufacture and use nickel may have higher than average exposure. Nickel impurities may be introduced during the manufacturing of food, drugs, and dietary supplements. Nickel alloys are often used in dental and medical procedures. Certain foods contain high nickel levels.
• The level of nickel toxicity depends on its chemical form. Insoluble nickel compounds (metallic nickel, nickel sulfides, and nickel oxides) are associated with a higher risk of cancer than water-soluble nickel salts (chloride, nitrate, sulfate). Nickel carbonyl is the most toxic form of nickel. Inhalation of nickel carbonyl over time may cause cancer of the lung and nose. Taking it by mouth may lead to serious complications, including death.
• Long-term exposure to nickel compounds is associated with lung and nasal cancer in humans, and it induces tumors in experimental animals. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified nickel compounds as carcinogenic to humans.
• Skin contact may lead to nickel-induced contact dermatitis. In rare cases, skin reactions may occur at a site on the body other than the point of nickel contact, and asthma may occur. Exposure to nickel-containing dust may cause heart and lung diseases. Nickel exposure may cause variable degrees of kidney and cardiovascular system poisoning. Ingestion of high levels of nickel sulfate has been associated with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, coma, and kidney poisoning.
• Use cautiously in patients with diabetes, blood sugar disorders, cancer, heart rate abnormalities, liver disorders, kidney disorders, or immune or autoimmune disorders; in patients taking agents for any of these conditions; and in patients taking blood vessel-widening or -constricting agents, or agents metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes.
• Use cautiously during radiotherapy, or in combination with cis-platinum, trans-platinum, and mitomycin C, as nickel may enhance their cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.
• Avoid excess nickel exposure or consumption.
• Children should avoid excess nickel exposure, as early-life exposure to nickel may induce malformations and late-onset diseases. Body piercing should be done using nickel-free studs, especially in children, to prevent nickel hypersensitization.
• Pregnant and lactating women should avoid excessive exposure to nickel, because it can cross the placenta and has been demonstrated to be harmful to the fetus, and it may cause spontaneous abortion.
• Long-term skin contact with nickel should be avoided, due to the risk of developing contact dermatitis. Gloves should be worn by workers that handle nickel objects.
• Patients that are highly sensitive to nickel are advised to strictly avoid nickel exposure, including nickel-containing foods and dental material. Patients with a known allergy to other metals, especially palladium, cobalt, and aluminum, should also limit nickel exposures.
• Breathing nickel fumes or dusts should be avoided due to the risk of cancers of the lung, nose, larynx, and prostate, and cardiopulmonary diseases.
• Avoid in combination with disulfiram therapy in patients with nickel dermatitis, due to the risk of liver toxicity.

http://www.clarksnutrition.com/

Whew! When I found this list, it was a bit frightening! There is more at risk than simple rashes and skin irritation.  The words kidney poisoning, cancer and carcinogenic are very serious health risks connected with nickel exposure.  Those of us with nickel allergies honestly must pay careful attention to the early and subtle warning signs.  

Limit exposure to the heavy metals that you are allergic to, so you can reduce the chances of experiencing hypersensitization. 

 

 

Detox #6 Plan for Nickel Heavy Metals

When I think of detox treatments, I usually think of INPUT: eating and drinking foods that help clean me out.  But today I'm writing about a detox method that involves OUTPUT: doing something that makes my body push out toxins in the process.

 

So what kind of detox method involves output? Sweating!

Yuck! Who wants to sweat?!?!?  Most of us do whatever we can to avoid perspiring and sweating.  It's not pretty.  But it IS a way to cleanse your body of toxins. Sweating actually has many important health- and beauty-related benefits. Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and serves important roles just like any other bodily organ. Something as simple as sweating could provide equal or even greater detoxification benefits than dietary detox plans.

All of these benefits promote general health, and recent research^1,2,3,4,5 has even shown that regular sauna use correlates to a reduced risk of death from any cause, including lethal cardiovascular events.

Read more of this article here

Quite a number of years ago, we visited Sweden, and got to stay in someone's home.  They had their own sauna built into their laundry room.  It was a big surprise to me to see such a room.  Our hosts said most homes had saunas included in their houses. That is the first time I seriously began to think of sauna treatments as a way to purify the body.

 The Different Types of Saunas

Today, there are three basic types of saunas:

1. The wet Finnish sauna, where steam is created by throwing water on hot rocks (the heat can be generated by either wood burning or electricity)
2. The dry Finnish sauna that uses electrical heating, and therefore does not employ water (these stoves are not made to have water poured on them. Doing so can result in short-circuiting)
3. Infrared saunas

The difference between an infrared sauna and the traditional Finnish-style saunas is that the latter heats you up from the outside in, like an oven. The infrared sauna heats you from the inside out.  The traditional wet sauna typically uses a small stove with radiant heat elements, i.e. resistive elements that heat up when current flows through them. These elements heat up the rocks piled on top. The temperature is regulated by a thermostat. Initially, the sauna will feel warm and dry, but once you toss some water on the rocks, hot steam is generated.

Click here to see a larger version  of the infographic

In 2012, researchers with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute provided a meta-analysis on 24 studies and found that arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium weren’t only present in sweat but often present in greater concentrations than within urine or blood (where such toxins are usually measured).  They determined, quite simply, that “sweating deserves consideration for toxic element detoxification.”

             http://naturalsociety.com/sweating-detoxing-body-heavy-metals-more/



Personally, I can't figure out how to afford a sauna.  And I don't think I have room for one.  That is why I've opted for infrared therapy with mats.  When I use the mat, I actually DO sweat!
Read my previous post about infrared therapy

 

So now what?? I guess it is important to realize we can't protect ourselves from toxins; they are all around us.  What we can do is break a sweat by sitting in a sauna, using infrared therapy, or doing some exercise. That way we can work on getting more of the toxins and heavy metals like nickel and iron oxide out of our bodies.

Do you have an alternative detox plan that I haven't covered? I would really like to hear about it.  Please comment below.