Dorothy FarrarChromium Allergy
Chromium allergy is primarily a contact allergy . There is hypersensitivity to chromium. Since this is also found in food, the chromium allergy may also be a food allergy .
What is a chromium allergy?
Chromium allergy is a contact or food allergy. Those affected do not react to chromium-plated metals or steel protected against corrosion with chromium, but to chromates and chromium salts. Since chromium salts in particular are processed in many products, the chromium allergy is also one of the occupational allergies.
In Germany, the chromium allergy is one of the most common contact and food allergies, with around 4 to 10 percent positive reactions in allergy tests. The chrome allergy often manifests itself after a longer period of contact with chrome salt or chromate. Since the chrome allergy is quite common in the construction sector (concrete), it is also known as cement or masonry dross. The allergy also frequently occurs in metal processing, among shoemakers and tanners and in the textile industry. Chromium is also found in rust inhibitors and paints and can lead to a chromium allergy during their manufacture.
causes
As the name suggests, a chromium allergy is an oversensitivity to chromium. The chromium compounds chromium III and chromium VI are considered to be the most common triggers for chromium allergy. Other triggers are cement-based beauties, corrosion and wood preservatives, leather items, lubricants and cosmetic products.
Allergic symptoms can occur both through direct contact with the skin and through the consumption of foods containing chromium (e.g. eggs, nuts, fish, meat, some types of fruit). Even the smallest amounts of chromium can cause problems. In addition, allergies are often hereditary. If allergies already run in the family, the tendency to also develop an allergy is increased.
When to the doctor?
If unexpected skin changes occur, the affected person should have them examined by a doctor as soon as they last for several days. If the symptoms increase or the changes spread, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Pustules, redness or swelling of the skin are considered unusual and must be medically clarified and treated.
If eczema or wheals occur, it is advisable to have them treated by a doctor. Coughing , a dry mouth and a feeling of pressure in the upper body should be checked out by a doctor. If the person concerned suffers from sudden itching or scaly skin, it is advisable to consult a doctor. If the skin structure is damaged, a doctor must be consulted, as germs can penetrate the organism through the open wounds. Viruses and bacteria can spread through the vessels and lead to further diseases. A doctor’s visit is therefore necessary as soon as there is a general deterioration in the state of health.
In the event of acute shortness of breath, tachycardia and disturbances of consciousness, an emergency doctor must be called. Rapid swelling of the mucous membranes in the throat occurs, which can lead to a life-threatening condition. In this case, the affected person suffers from anaphylactic shock, in which the entire immune system suddenly collapses due to the allergic reaction.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of chromium allergy:
In most cases of a chrome allergy, there are typical symptoms of a contact allergy. If the chromium allergy occurs as a food allergy, symptoms of poisoning can also occur. Reactions can also occur via the respiratory tract. Typical symptoms of a chrome allergy include skin changes (e.g. redness, formation of pustules, wheals or blisters, scaling of the skin), itching, eczema, skin sores, hand eczema, rough hands, dermatitis, respiratory diseases (e.g. e.g. cold, bronchial asthma) and facial swelling.
It can also cause nausea and vomiting, a feeling of fullness, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Rarely does a chromium allergy also lead to anaphylactic reactions or allergic shocks. The chrome allergy does not necessarily cause symptoms at the contact point. Reactions can therefore occur anywhere without direct contact with chromium at this point.
Chromium allergy can develop at any age, but it often appears in childhood. The individual spectrum of the allergy does not necessarily remain constant. In most cases, those affected also react to other substances (e.g. cobalt) after a certain time, and a so-called cross formation develops.
Diagnose
The diagnosis of allergies is based on four pillars. First, a detailed medical history is taken. Here the doctor will ask exactly when, for how long and on which part of the body the symptoms occurred. A skin or blood test is then carried out to check whether antibodies have formed in the body. The blood test, a so-called RAST test, provides very reliable information about a wide variety of allergies. If there is a suspicion of a chromium allergy caused by food, an omission (omission) diet can provide clues as to whether it is an allergy to chromium.
In order to secure the results of the skin and blood tests, a provocation text is also carried out. This test mimics exposure to a specific allergen. In order to induce only mild symptoms, the test substance is heavily diluted and – depending on the reaction – the dose is increased only slowly.
However, since it cannot be ruled out that circulatory problems, asthma attacks or even an allergic shock may occur during the test, provocation tests are only carried out in well-equipped medical practices or clinics. This ensures that emergency care can be provided quickly.
complications
As a rule, the chromium allergy can only lead to symptoms and complications if the person concerned comes into contact with chromium or ingests the ingredient through food or medication. First and foremost, there are complaints about the skin. The patients suffer from an itchy rash and the formation of pustules. The skin is red and irritated and in many cases can feel scaly. There are also breathing difficulties, which in severe cases can lead to shortness of breath. Due to the shortness of breath, the patient is no longer able to carry out physical activities or exertion, which means that everyday life is relatively severely restricted.
Sporting activities are usually no longer possible without further ado. If you exert yourself heavily, you may lose consciousness. In some cases, the chromium allergy can also lead to an allergic shock. If the chromium allergy is not treated, other allergies can develop. A causal treatment of the chromium allergy is not possible, so that the affected person has to do without the ingredient for the rest of his life. In the case of acute attacks or symptoms, antiallergic drugs can be used to temporarily relieve the symptoms. Further complications usually do not arise if the patient avoids chromium.
treatment and therapy
The chromium allergy usually persists throughout life. She is not curable. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. For this purpose, the doctor usually prescribes ointments and creams with cortisone for contact eczema. If there are diseases of the respiratory tract, antiallergic drugs or aerosols are used. If the chromium allergy triggers an allergic shock, the emergency call must be dialled. It makes sense for those affected to always carry their allergy pass and an emergency kit with them.
prevention
Preventive measures are mainly limited to the consistent avoidance of contact with the allergens. Appropriate protection should be worn when working with chromium or chromium-containing substances, and breathing masks can be used to protect against vapors or dust.If it is a food-triggered allergy to chromium, then the food in question should be avoided. However, this is only possible to a limited extent, because the consumer has no influence on certain foods.
Foods naturally high in chromium (e.g. rye, oats, barley, wheat and baked goods made with them, kale, corn, potatoes, bananas, blueberries, hazelnuts, pork and beef, cheese, whole milk) , should be avoided at best.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.