Many millions of people have experienced the mysterious rash that can appear on skin that has come into contact with various pieces of jewelry and other metallic items. If you're among that number, you've probably already figured out that you may just have an allergy to nickel, since that metal is so commonly a part of many forms of jewelry. If you're also suffering from baldness, you might have also wondered about how and if nickel causes hair loss too.
To begin, it should be understood that this metal is the source of many common skin allergies. That should come as no surprise, given that it is a commonly used element in a variety of manufacturing processes. In fact it is so common that it can be found in everything from zippers to jewelry, certain coins, eyeglasses, and even cell phones.
The most common symptoms associated with this allergic reaction involve rashes, itchy skin, dryness, and even blistering. More severe reactions can include things like crusty scales on the skin. If you've experienced any of these symptoms within a day after coming into contact with anything containing nickel, you can either remove the jewelry or other items you're in contact with or seek confirmation from a medical expert.
In most instances, physicians identify this condition on sight, and simply ask a few questions about your contact with various metals to confirm their diagnosis. To be even more certain, however, tests can be conducted. These tests are seldom necessary, however. In fact, almost any diagnosis can be confirmed simply by separating the metal from the patient and then waiting to see whether symptoms vanish over time.
Though there is no question about this metal's role as an allergen where skin is concerned, what about those who suffer from the effects of baldness? Does this element also play a role in that process? Scientists have conducted a great deal of research trying to find answers to that concern.
What these studies have demonstrated is that there is no evident link between exposure to this metal and the loss of hair, even for those with severe allergies to the element. Scientists who have studied the issue have been left with the conclusion that any apparent link between the two can only be explained by a coincidental but unrelated convergence of a real metal allergy and what is probably nothing more than a genetic predisposition for baldness.
Yes, our genes are still the primary reason we suffer from baldness. Of course, that research cannot completely rule out the metal a a possible cause for baldness. However, it does indicate that there is only a small chance that there is any cause and effect relationship between this particular allergy and the balding process.
That may be small consolation for those who suffer from this allergic condition, however, since it an allergy that has no cure once it develops. Still, with all of the dermatological irritation that a reaction to this common metal can cause, it is still somewhat comforting to know that it does not appear to play a role in baldness.
To begin, it should be understood that this metal is the source of many common skin allergies. That should come as no surprise, given that it is a commonly used element in a variety of manufacturing processes. In fact it is so common that it can be found in everything from zippers to jewelry, certain coins, eyeglasses, and even cell phones.
The most common symptoms associated with this allergic reaction involve rashes, itchy skin, dryness, and even blistering. More severe reactions can include things like crusty scales on the skin. If you've experienced any of these symptoms within a day after coming into contact with anything containing nickel, you can either remove the jewelry or other items you're in contact with or seek confirmation from a medical expert.
In most instances, physicians identify this condition on sight, and simply ask a few questions about your contact with various metals to confirm their diagnosis. To be even more certain, however, tests can be conducted. These tests are seldom necessary, however. In fact, almost any diagnosis can be confirmed simply by separating the metal from the patient and then waiting to see whether symptoms vanish over time.
Though there is no question about this metal's role as an allergen where skin is concerned, what about those who suffer from the effects of baldness? Does this element also play a role in that process? Scientists have conducted a great deal of research trying to find answers to that concern.
What these studies have demonstrated is that there is no evident link between exposure to this metal and the loss of hair, even for those with severe allergies to the element. Scientists who have studied the issue have been left with the conclusion that any apparent link between the two can only be explained by a coincidental but unrelated convergence of a real metal allergy and what is probably nothing more than a genetic predisposition for baldness.
Yes, our genes are still the primary reason we suffer from baldness. Of course, that research cannot completely rule out the metal a a possible cause for baldness. However, it does indicate that there is only a small chance that there is any cause and effect relationship between this particular allergy and the balding process.
That may be small consolation for those who suffer from this allergic condition, however, since it an allergy that has no cure once it develops. Still, with all of the dermatological irritation that a reaction to this common metal can cause, it is still somewhat comforting to know that it does not appear to play a role in baldness.
About the Author:
You can visit www.pauloberdorf.net for more helpful information about For Those Who Wonder Whether Nickel Causes Hair Loss.