What does hypoallergenic alloy mean?

Which earrings do not cause allergies and are suitable for sensitive ears | MirSovet.ru

Ear piercing is a type of piercing. Women love earrings very much and change them often. However, some may have allergic reactions to metal, especially nickel jewelry. Typically, this reaction occurs to earrings made of inexpensive metals.

When exposed to sweat, various metals or their alloys can cause an electrochemical reaction, which also causes irritation. Many people find it quite difficult to choose earrings that do not cause allergies. But now they also produce earrings for sensitive earlobes.

Let's see what we can choose from.

Which earrings are suitable for sensitive ears?

Hypoallergenic earrings are made from nickel-free metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, etc. They are not very expensive and can be easily purchased in almost all jewelry stores. If such earrings are not available in the store, you can always purchase them in online stores.

Gold or silver earrings

Many people think that silver and gold earrings have a rather boring design, but this is not true. You can find very interesting earring models. Although they are quite expensive, they will prevent your earlobes from getting irritated.

When purchasing silver earrings, make sure that the silver is of high quality. When purchasing gold jewelry, you need to choose the type of gold that suits you personally. Some people may be allergic to low-grade gold, as well as white gold, because...

it contains small amounts of nickel. Therefore, it is best to choose gold with the least amount of impurities.

Earrings made of other metals

If you have sensitive earlobes, you can wear earrings made of niobium, titanium or platinum. Niobium is a metal that is used in the manufacture of surgical instruments, the so-called medical steel. Titanium earrings are also hypoallergenic and very inexpensive.

However, some may experience increased sensitivity to this metal. Platinum is the most suitable metal for sensitive ears, but this material is quite expensive, and not everyone can afford to buy platinum earrings. You can also try wearing earrings made of aluminum, copper, palladium and tungsten in their pure form.

But you should avoid earrings made of cobalt, because... it contains nickel.

Magnetic earrings

You can also wear magnetic earrings as jewelry. They can be easily found on the Internet. These earrings are not only beautiful. They can relieve pain from arthritis and other joint diseases.

Plastic earrings

Another suitable option for people with sensitive earlobe skin is plastic jewelry. They usually come in a variety of colors and patterns and look very attractive. They practically do not cause any allergic reaction.

How does an allergic reaction to earrings occur?

Usually the allergic reaction affects only the earlobe, but sometimes it can spread to the face and even the neck.

A hypersensitive reaction to metal can result in contact dermatitis. An allergic reaction to nickel can lead to psoriasis and eczema.

Take care of your ears after putting on new earrings. Allergic reactions usually develop within 48 hours and are accompanied by itching, redness and swelling of the affected area of ​​the skin.

Sometimes an allergic reaction can be caused by exposure to sweat. Metal ions expand and enter the skin, which only worsens the infection.

Useful tips

• Buy earrings from good stores.
• If you are getting your ears pierced for the first time, you should first wear earrings made of medical steel, gold or silver.
• Get your ears pierced by an experienced professional.
• If the ears of young children are pierced, then small stud earrings made of surgical steel are best suited for them.
• Try to remove earrings that contain nickel at night.
• Buy only hypoallergenic jewelry, give preference to gold and silver, unless you have an individual intolerance to these metals.
• For earrings, an ear made of base metals can be replaced with an ear made of surgical steel. Wooden earrings can also be an excellent alternative to metal ones.
• For jewelry of dubious quality, it is a good idea to coat it with a hypoallergenic metal before you start wearing it.
• Occasionally, for antiseptic purposes, steam the earrings and wash them in warm water. But this procedure must be done carefully so as not to harm the appearance of the product. Change your earrings regularly.
• Wear lightweight earrings and, if possible, replace them with clip-on earrings or cuff earrings.

Some believe that washing the puncture site with alcohol or another antiseptic will protect the ears from inflammation. This doesn't always work. You may need additional products to care for the puncture site; you should seek additional advice on this issue.

Proper care of the puncture site minimizes the risk of allergic reactions.

By following these recommendations, you will be able to choose the right earrings for sensitive ears and almost forget that this problem once worried you.

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Source: http://mirsovet.ru/budem_zdorovy/kakie_sergi_dlya_ushej_ne_vyzyvajut_allergij_i_podhodyat_dlya_chuvstvitelnyh_ushej.html

Development of an allergic reaction to metals

There is a certain number of people whose skin reacts inadequately to contact with various metals. A metal allergy can occur on a belt buckle, dental prosthesis, earrings, bracelets, etc.

Conducted studies confirm the occurrence of this disease in every tenth case of occurrence, when an allergy to metal and metal-containing alloys is clearly expressed. The localization site is the area of ​​contact with the allergen.

Particular discomfort appears when an allergy to metal occurs in contact with essential items: in the kitchen, in production. In addition, ordinary metal coins and jewelry can cause severe allergic symptoms.

Reasons for the development of the disease

An allergy to metal, the causes of which is a special reaction of the immune system to foreign organisms, can manifest itself in different ways.

1. The metal has the property of releasing specific ions upon contact with the skin. Especially when interacting with sebaceous secretions and then. The released substances can easily penetrate the subcutaneous layer, manifesting negative symptoms.

1. When they enter the blood and tissue surfaces, metal trace elements change cellular protein, which leads to the immune system perceiving its own cells as pathological. This causes an acute allergic attack.
2. It is generally accepted that metal allergies are most common among urban residents. It is there that industry is most developed, the emission products of which contribute to the deterioration of the environmental situation, filling the air with harmful substances.
3. Another reason for the appearance of a negative reaction is considered to be a large dose of the irritant, after which the person begins to choke, lacrimation and other typical signs of the disease are noted.
4. The disease is most susceptible to people with weakened immune systems, after illnesses and with a history of chronic diseases.

1. Allergic diseases are most common in children. This is due to the immaturity of the immune system.
2. In addition, genetic predisposition to allergic diseases and, specifically, to a certain type of metal is of no small importance.

An allergy to metal can have an acute onset, or it can proceed latently, without obvious symptoms. However, in any case, at the first suspicion of this type of allergy, it is recommended to do all kinds of testing and perform specific tests to identify the allergen.

Most allergenic metals

Most often, an allergic reaction occurs as a result of contact with the following metals:

1. Nickel

This type of metal and alloys with its addition are widely used for the manufacture of decorative jewelry, as well as medical equipment, orthopedic products and buttons. Very rarely, the presence of nickel is detected in fish products, orange juice and chocolate. In this case, the allergic reaction is classified as a type of food allergy. To neutralize symptoms, treatment is carried out using a hypoallergenic diet.

2. Chrome

It is most often used as anti-corrosion coatings and is found mostly in paints.

3. Aluminum

This metal is used to produce tableware, so the risk group consists of people who have close contact with these products (cooks, kitchen workers, etc.). In addition, aluminum is often added to antiperspirants.

4. Cobalt

It is added to popular cosmetics and hair dyes, so it is mainly women who are at risk.

5. Zinc

Cobalt has found wide application in dentistry. It is added to filling materials.

6. Copper

Copper is mainly used to make jewelry. In addition, coins are made from this metal.

As a rule, metals come into contact with different areas of the skin, and allergic symptoms can be expressed depending on the location.

Precious metals rarely cause negative effects. However, in the manufacture of jewelry, alloys are mainly used, and therefore allergies also occur to precious items. In this case, special treatment is required.

Symptoms of the disease

The most common symptoms of a metal allergy are:

• unbearable itching;
• hyperthermia;
• rashes at the point of contact with metal;

• keratinization of the upper layers of the epidermis, accompanied by peeling;
• redness of the skin, reminiscent of a thermal burn.

If you identify the symptoms of the disease in a timely manner and begin treatment, you can avoid complications when an acute attack of an allergy can be caused by a bra clasp or a metal button on clothing.

Allergies in dentistry

The occurrence of allergic reactions to metals in dentistry deserves special attention.

As a rule, concomitant symptoms are accompanied by regular pain in the oral cavity, stomatitis and the appearance of erosive inflammation in the mouth. In addition, the patient complains of a constant metallic taste in the mouth.

Therefore, in dentistry, special materials for dental crowns are often used: titanium-ceramic, zirconium-ceramic, gold-ceramic.

Treatment tactics

First of all, allergy symptoms upon contact with metal directly depend on the state of the immune system. For recovery, it is recommended to perform various tests and preventive procedures, which include:

• balanced diet, including more fresh vegetables and fruits;
• It is recommended to do hardening procedures;
• it is important to spend more time outdoors;
• a good effect is observed with dosed physical activity;
• for obvious allergic symptoms, treatment involves prescribing antihistamines (Claritin, Suprastin, Loratadine, etc.);

• External treatment is recommended with ointments (Advantan, Polcortolon, etc.). The treatment course lasts a week. The drugs are highly active, so they should be applied to the affected area of ​​the skin in a very thin layer;
• To remove toxins from the body, enterosorbents (Enterosgel, Activated carbon) can be prescribed. These drugs actively relieve allergic intoxication by removing heavy metal salts from the body.

It must be remembered that any treatment should be performed only after consultation with an allergist and dermatologist. Self-administration of medications can provoke severe complications.

Source: https://AllergiyaNet.ru/allergeny/v-bytu/allergiya-na-metall.html

A metalhead's nightmare: metal allergy

Metal is also increasingly found on the list of allergens.

Allergies today are increasingly moving towards the top of the list of the most common diseases in the world. Also, the number of factors and substances that can cause symptoms of an allergic reaction in the body increases every year. Today you will no longer surprise anyone with “standard” allergies to dust, medications or food. Metal allergies are also increasingly common on this list.

Why does an allergic reaction to metal occur?

Metals occupy more than half of the chemical elements in the Periodic Table; they are very common in nature, and contact with them cannot be avoided in everyday life.

It is believed that metal allergies are most common in large cities where heavy industry is developed. But you should also remember the individual intolerance of certain substances in the body. Jewelry, wristwatches, items of clothing, accessories (zippers, rivets, hooks), tools, as well as parts of some devices are constantly in contact with the human body.

Allergies to metal occur quite easily. The skin interacts with metal, whose ions enter the body through the upper layer of the epidermis and affect the functioning of cells. The body begins to perceive its own cells as foreign, an immune response occurs, and therefore itching, redness and swelling of the skin occurs in such places. It is based on these symptoms that doctors diagnose allergic contact dermatitis and prescribe treatment.

But there are other forms of hyper-reaction of the immune system: the development of bronchial asthma or anaphylactic shock. These symptoms occur in extreme cases and require emergency medical attention.

Metals that tend to cause allergies

Metals in their pure form are rarely used in everyday life, except for copper wires and aluminum cookware. Alloys are more practical: they are less likely to enter into chemical reactions and oxidize, and the strength of the mixture is much superior to pure substances.

It can be quite difficult to determine which metal caused the allergy. To prevent the appearance of unpleasant symptoms, you must begin treatment first of all by determining which metal caused the reaction.

The real champions in their ability to cause an allergic reaction are nickel, chromium and cobalt. Allergies to metal most often occur when a person interacts with alloys based on them.

Nickel is most often used in the production of accessories for clothing, coins, furniture and interior elements, as well as for medical purposes: for needles, staples. For treatment in orthopedics and dentistry - in the manufacture of implants. It is part of many jewelry alloys, especially those that need to be given a white color.

Chromium is a component of many paints and pigments; it is used in the leather industry for tanning leather, and is also used for processing (chrome plating) parts for an anti-corrosion or decorative effect.

Cobalt can be found in paints, decorative cosmetics, and is also used in the manufacture of insulin to treat diabetes.

A diagnosis of metal allergy can be obtained through constant exposure to other elements. Over time, the skin may become sensitive to gold, silver, and copper.

Allergy to precious metals - myth or reality?

Pure gold is an absolutely hypoallergenic metal. Therefore, there is no specific treatment method yet. Not a single case of the human body reacting to it has been recorded. So if you are allergic to gold, then, paradoxically, it has nothing to do with it. The nickel mentioned above is to blame for the occurrence of unpleasant symptoms.

It is often used in alloys with gold to add strength to jewelry, and it is also added for a “whitening” effect. Jewelry made from so-called white gold is a mixture of these two metals. Nickel is an analogue of another, more expensive metal used in jewelry, palladium. Allergies to the metal from the platinum group, which gives gold its white tint, are rare, but it also costs an order of magnitude more than nickel.

Yellow gold contains copper, silver and zinc. Our body reacts well to zinc; it is used in many medications. An allergy to yellow gold, as opposed to white, can only occur due to the fact that there is very little of it in the product. If you replace the jewelry with another one with a higher content of precious metal, then allergy symptoms can be avoided.

In everyday life, the diagnosis of “gold allergy” is mistakenly made when symptoms such as rash and skin irritation are present. In fact, such a reaction can also be caused by other substances: detergents, deodorants, which, when in contact with metal, increase their aggressive effect on human skin.

Silver allergy is a relatively new phenomenon. Previously, this metal was considered purely healing; entire systems for ionizing air and water were developed. Silver has a bactericidal effect and is used in the treatment of many diseases.

Complaints of allergic reactions are mainly related to jewelry. And the reasons for this, as in the case of gold, are the low content of the precious metal itself in the product. Such an allergy to silver goes away with the replacement of a low-grade product with another, higher quality one.

No additional treatment will be required.

Source: https://allergyall.ru/pro-allergiy/na-metall.html

They stanned their crushes. What does it mean to stan in slang?

To moan means to admire, to be a passionate admirer of someone or something. For example, you can stan your favorite singer or musical group, actor or TV series.

The word is most often used by fans of Korean pop music - the so-called k-pop.

Moan. Usage examples

You just don't know enough about Saini's discography. Ask Momo, she was a fan. Minho especially stunned.

Let's just stan Joaquin Phoenix

How can you not stan this guy?

Schoolgirls moan to BTS.

Goodcharlot was one of the first bands I stanned, I even asked my aunt at work to print out the lyrics to their songs.

Synonyms for the verb to stan: admire, love, fan, trudge, crash, worship.

Where did the word stan come from? Who is Stan?

Stan is the hero of the composition of the same name by rapper Eminem and British singer Dido (Eminem ft. Dido - Stan, from the album The Marshall Mathers LP). The chorus is a remix of Dido's song Thank You.

According to the plot, Stan is a devoted fan of the rapper, he writes admiring letters to the musician and wants to see him. But the idol has a lot to do, and he does not answer.

As a result, Stan becomes increasingly angry, goes crazy, and eventually kills himself and his lover. When the rapper finally sits down to write a response to the fan’s letters, he suddenly realizes: this is the same guy from the news who committed suicide and killed his girlfriend.

The popularity of the composition led to the fact that Stan's name became a household name, denoting a crazy fan. Later, the verb stenit appeared, meaning “to adore, to be a fan of.”

Today we flexed with dnocles at school. What does it mean to “stanley your crushes”?

The word "stan" is used in a joke making fun of youth slang:

Today they flexed with dnocles in shk, stanned their crushes, and the sasny khents roflil nearby, such a cringe.

This phrase is almost entirely composed of slang neologisms. Translated into ordinary Russian, it means approximately the following:

Today we were fooling around with our classmates at school, admiring those we were secretly in love with, and beautiful girls laughing nearby, such a shame.

Source: https://www.anews.com/p/123012730-stehnili-svoih-krashej-chto-znachit-stehnit-na-polodezhnom-slenge/

Allergic reaction to metal: causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Allergy to metal occurs in 10% of the population and is expressed by contact dermatitis in the form of redness, itching, burning of the skin. The reaction causes discomfort and significant trouble for patients, because the severity of the immune response is noticeable not only to jewelry - gold, silver and costume jewelry, but also to metal money, cufflinks, fasteners on clothes, buckles on trousers, metal in dental crowns and intrauterine devices.

Reference! Not all people with metal allergies go to a specialist for diagnosis. When the symptoms are weak and nonspecific, as well as the tendency of an allergy to metal products to spontaneously disappear, allergy sufferers prefer to be treated on their own, which sometimes complicates the course of the disease. Among people with individual intolerance to metal ions, it has been established that pathology occurs more often in adults than in children.

Often, an allergy to metal manifests itself in people living in environmentally polluted settlements - industrial cities, the air of which is filled with exhaust gases containing half of the periodic table.

However, hypersensitivity develops only to certain metals and is caused by a genetic factor. Allergenic substances can accumulate in the body for a long time, but one day the allergy will manifest itself upon contact with metal.

Metal allergy: symptoms and treatment

An allergic reaction to jewelry occurs much less frequently, but to reduce cost, metal impurities are added to jewelry, so an undesirable reaction is possible even to gold and silver items.

Sometimes wearing chains and bracelets does not cause painful symptoms, but an allergy appears to precious earrings, especially in the navel, tongue, and intimate areas, not only in the form of skin hyperemia, swelling and itching, but also an inflammatory reaction and rejection of a foreign body. The pathological process is caused by the addition of copper, nickel, cobalt, gallium, chromium, molybdenum, and beryllium to the precious metal.

Fact! There is no allergy to high-grade gold, silver and the noble metal platinum.

Most often, allergies are expressed after a person comes into contact with the following metals:

• nickel - many items of clothing, jewelry, and medical instruments are created from nickel alloys;
• chrome - used as an anti-corrosion and decorative surface treatment. Upon penetration into body tissues, it contributes not only to the occurrence of an allergic reaction, but also to toxic compounds (for example, chromic acid salts);
• aluminum - metal used to be widely used for the production of tableware, but recently the use of aluminum in everyday life has been reduced. Aluminum chloride is found in antiperspirant deodorants and other cosmetics;
• Zinc is a metal popular in the dental industry for making filling materials. Zinc compounds are components of some ointments and cosmetics.

Article on the topic: Psychosomatics - allergies in children and adultsAllergy to metal on the skin of the hands

Causes of metal allergies:

• low levels of immunity;
• age;
• allergen activity;
• hypersensitivity to a certain metal;
• frequent stress, increased fatigue, excessive irritability.

Note! Many people believe that cobalt and mercury also cause allergies. When a person comes into contact with these metals and mixtures of chemical elements, allergic symptoms actually appear. However, irritation and inflammation of tissues is not caused by allergies and hypersensitization, but by the toxic properties of metals.

Allergy symptoms most often do not appear immediately, but after a few days, when metal ions penetrate the upper layers of the skin and cause an immune response to the irritant. The duration of the asymptomatic period depends on factors such as:

• alloy quality;
• sweat gland activity;
• sensitivity of the body.

The most common manifestation of allergies is contact dermatitis, which occurs in the area of ​​contact with an allergen metal (plaques, buttons, jewelry).

Allergy to metal products

Symptoms of contact dermatitis are:

• skin rashes, peeling, appearance of crusts at the site of contact with the allergen;
• eczema rash;
• skin hyperemia (redness), similar to a burn;
• swelling of the epidermis;
• bubbles with clear liquid;
• inflammation and rejection of metal implants.

Attention! Cases of allergies have been recorded when eating foods that contain nickel - orange juice, dark chocolate, red beans, peanut butter. Nickel allergy is characterized by a rash on the genitals and anus.

Most often, manifestations of allergies are recorded on the stomach - belt buckle, neck, wrists, ears - earrings, chains, bracelets. In women, an allergy to metal is noticed on the back and shoulders - metal parts of the bra.

Complicated symptoms

If you ignore allergic symptoms, erosions and abrasions may form on the body due to scratching and disruption of microcirculation processes in the affected area. The temperature rarely rises due to allergies in the form of contact dermatitis, and there is no general malaise.

Causes of metal allergies

Allergic complications in the form of Quincke's edema also rarely develop. But when such an allergy symptom as angioedema appears, experts refer to intolerance to metal ceramics or filling material with a high concentration of zinc.

Dermatitis may be complicated by a secondary bacterial infection, which is acquired by scratching and damaging the top layer of skin. Also, some workers in the metallurgical industry develop bronchial asthma due to specific bacterial allergens - a consequence of hypersensitivity to metal dust.

Prosthetics and allergies

Allergy to metals in prosthetics is a common occurrence when the following negative symptoms appear:

• signs of stomatitis;
• pain in the mouth;
• metallic taste in the mouth;
• formation of erosions on the tongue;
• inflammatory process on the gums, tongue and lips.

Swelling of the eyelids from metal allergies

If an allergy to metal occurs, dentists insist on placing special metal crowns:

• zirconium-ceramic - heavy;
• gold-ceramic - high cost;
• titanium ceramics are expensive.

Reference! In modern dentistry, there are special devices to determine the patient’s tendency to be allergic to metal before starting prosthetics - in order to avoid patients going to court. If the clinic refuses such a service, require the presentation of a quality certificate for the prostheses used, which indicates the composition on the right.

Diagnostics

To diagnose a metal allergy, you should consult an allergist. Often, patients are referred to an allergist by a dermatologist, who sees patients susceptible to contact dermatitis due to contact with metal.

Allergy to metal crowns

A specialist identifies allergies using the following algorithm:

1. Physical examination;
2. Collecting anamnesis from the patient’s words;
3. Provocative tests for food allergies - elimination diet.

Note! If the mucous membranes of the mouth are affected, stomatitis of infectious etiology is excluded. Food intolerance to metals is difficult to distinguish from allergies due to the consumption of other foods; only hypersensitization to nickel has its own characteristics.

Treatment of all types of allergies is the same: initially, you should stop interacting with the allergenic substance, and then begin symptomatic therapy. If an allergic reaction is caused by wearing metal products, you should avoid fasteners, buckles, and buttons that provoke the body's immune response.

If you are allergic to cosmetics with metal components, you should avoid this type of cosmetics. If allergic stomatitis occurs due to filling teeth, wearing braces, or installing implants, elements based on metal alloys are removed. Treatment of food intolerance requires correction of the nutritional diet; sometimes it is necessary to change the dishes to ceramic or enamel.

Basic principles of treating metal allergies:

• the use of antihistamines - Suprastin, Zodak, Zyrtec, Erius and others. It is recommended to take new generation antiallergic drugs, since the drugs do not cause sedation or drowsiness; one tablet per day is enough;
• application of glucocorticosteroid ointments to the affected areas - hormonal local treatment is prescribed only by the doctor, taking into account the age, severity of allergies, individual characteristics of the patient - Advantan, Lokoid, Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone and other weak, moderate, strong and ointments with increased hormonal activity;
• ointments and gels containing retinol, which accelerates cell regeneration and protects the epidermis from harmful environmental influences.

Related article: Allergy to gold from wearing jewelry

Traditional methods of treatment

Connoisseurs of alternative medicine suggest treating allergies using the following methods:

• apply cucumber, apple, and potato compresses to the affected areas of the skin;
• when peeling the skin, apply a thin layer of homemade fatty sour cream or butter to the affected areas;
• use tinctures of St. John's wort and oak bark;
• take baths with extracts of oregano, chamomile, cornflower, and string.

Attention! The effect of alternative treatment is observed only in combination with traditional medicine. Before using the above methods to get rid of allergies, you should consult your doctor. Herbal infusions are considered strong allergens, therefore, if a cross-reaction occurs, alternative treatment should be discontinued and the doctor should be notified about the deterioration of the condition.

Summarizing

Allergies to metal parts are easily treated and rarely lead to complicated conditions. However, it is not recommended to delay therapy, otherwise the disease will contribute to favorable conditions for the development of other health problems.

If you are hypersensitive to metal, avoid prolonged contact with metal products, and if an allergy occurs, follow all medical instructions.

Source: https://yaallergik.com/allergiya/na-metall

"Hypoallergenic product." What does this inscription actually mean?

What does hypoallergenic mean? If you have allergies, you're probably looking for products labeled "hypoallergenic," which means the product contains few substances known as allergens that cause an inappropriate immune response.

But since there is no agreed upon scientific or legal definition of the term, the word "hypoallergenic" printed on the label doesn't necessarily protect you.

Sellers of cosmetics, toys, clothing and even pets can label their products as hypoallergenic, but they are not required to meet any government-mandated standards.

Why Hypoallergenic Labels Are False

Can you trust the “hypoallergenic” label?

A word on a label does not mean that a product will not cause an allergic reaction in some consumers.

This inscription is a reflection of what each specific manufacturer means by the term “hypoallergenic”.

After all, people have different degrees of sensitivity to the ingredients of certain products or products that cause allergies.

For some people, a certain component may not be affected at all. Others may feel mild itching or discomfort when they come into contact with or eat the allergen. And there are those who may experience a full-blown allergic reaction.

In addition, the indication “hypoallergenic” may be a common marketing ploy. or, conversely, indicate rather poor quality, for example, of cosmetics.

The world-famous perfumer Christophe Laudamiel explained this to the editor of the “All About Allergies” website in a personal conversation.

He claims that manufacturers of high-quality cosmetics have agreed to use and use high-quality raw materials and ingredients for their products since the 70s of the last century. Such products, at a minimum, do not cause contact dermatitis and other skin reactions in consumers.

But other manufacturers, trying to emphasize quality, may leave the word “hypoallergenic” on the label. Although this does not mean that the product is truly hypoallergenic.

And research confirms this. For example, in one study conducted in Brazil, doctors found that of 254 baby products that were labeled as hypoallergenic, 93% contained at least one ingredient that could cause an allergic reaction.

If you suspect that you or your child is allergic to a certain food, pet, or any other substance, it is best to talk to your family doctor or pediatrician and seek diagnosis and treatment from an allergist.

Then you will know which allergens to look out for, particularly by reading labels.

If you or your child suffers from any type of allergy or contact dermatitis, it is especially important to read labels to make sure there is nothing in the product that could cause an allergic reaction or rash.

How to read labels 

Knowing how to read a label can literally save your or your child's life. Here are some tips for studying product labels.

List of ingredients

The first thing you should pay attention to in any food or cosmetic product is the list of ingredients.

They are listed in order of decreasing quantity in a particular product. That is, the most abundant component is always indicated at the beginning of the list.

Therefore, often the first item on the list of ingredients is water, which is the basis of food or cosmetics.

Active components

Some labels list active and inactive ingredients separately. All of these are likely to come into contact with your body, so be sure to learn them all.

Chemical names

Most labels will use chemical names that may appear dangerous, but are not.

For example, regular baking soda may be listed as potassium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate. Very few people, if any, are allergic to soda.

On the other hand, people with contact or photodermatitis would do well to learn the names of cosmetic ingredients that may be harmful to the skin.

Plant Based Ingredients

It is advisable to pay special attention to plant components, because many of them cause reactions in people who are sensitive to pollen from plants of one family or their close relatives.

Plant constituents to which you may be allergic may be listed on labels in Latin, using the scientific names of the plants.

For example, common calendula, which causes allergies in a certain number of people, may be listed as Calendula officinalis.

This plant belongs to the aster family, which includes such dangerous plants that are sources of allergenic pollen as ragweed (Ambrosia) and wormwood (Artemisia).

And therefore, people suffering from hay fever are susceptible to the effects of calendula, as well as other asteraceae:

• dandelion (Taraxacum officinale);
• common chicory (Cichorium intubus);
• elecampane (Inulahelenium);
• chamomile (Chamomillarecutita);
• or other species of the genus Chamomilla, which in Latin may also be called Matricaria.

Asteraceae also include well-known medicinal plants, which are representatives of the genera:

• yarrow (Achillea);
• echinacea (Echinacea);
• arnica (Arnica);
• burdock (Arctium);
• string (Bidens);
• cornflower (Centaurea);
• sow thistle or thistle (Cirsium);
• artichoke (Cynara);
• dahlia (Dahlia);
• Cmin (Helichrysum);
• sunflower (Helianthus);
• tansy (Tanacetum);
• marigolds (Tagetes);
• coltsfoot (Tussilago).

Lavender, which like sage (Salvia), mint (Mentha), lemon balm (Melissa), thyme (Thymus), rosemary (Rosmarinus), belongs to the Lamiaceae family, may be listed on the label as Lavandula angustifolia.

In the scientific classification system, the name that begins with a capital letter is the genus of the plant. The second word, starting with a lowercase letter, defines the species.

If you know you are allergic or sensitive to certain plants, learn the Latin genus name and look for that word on labels.

For example, if you are allergic to one type of lavender or chamomile, you may also be allergic to other types, as well as their relatives listed above.

Know your allergens to protect yourself from unexpected discomfort or even danger.

Important: Always double check the label.

conclusions

• The word “hypoallergenic” on a product label does not necessarily protect you from substances that cause allergies.
• To protect yourself or your child, learn what substances may cause an allergic reaction in you and always read food labels.
• Learn the Latin names of the plants you are allergic to, as well as the names of their relatives. Be especially careful with the Aster family, the risk of cross-allergy to members of which is very high.
• If you think you or your child has an allergy to food, pets or any substance, it is best to consult your family doctor and be diagnosed and treated by an allergist.

Source: https://allergy.org.ua/ru/hypoallerhennyi-produkt-chto-na-samom-dele-oznachaet-jeta-nadpys/

Allergy to metals (gold, silver and others): symptoms, treatment and other features

A belt buckle, a bracelet, coins, a metal bra clasp, rivets on jeans, a watch - what could unite these items? Every tenth person knows the answer to this question. This is how many people in the world suffer from contact dermatitis caused by metal allergies.

The mechanism of development of allergy to metals and characteristics of the disease

For ordinary people, contact with metal is absolutely harmless. But the body of allergy sufferers reacts to contact in a specific way: when metal ions penetrate the upper layer of the epidermis and begin to affect native cells, it perceives this as an enemy attack and signals danger by irritating the skin. This does not happen suddenly. Allergens accumulate in the body over time, but can manifest themselves suddenly.

Causes

No one is immune from contact dermatitis. On the contrary, the army of allergy sufferers is becoming more numerous from year to year. A person has every chance of joining these ranks if at least one of the following factors is present in his life:

1. Accommodation in a metropolis. The larger the city, the more polluted the air that its residents breathe, the higher the likelihood that their immune system, weakened by unfavorable ecology, will behave inappropriately when encountering any substances.
2. Parents who suffer from metal allergies: it is not the allergy itself that is inherited, but the predisposition to it.
3. Weakened immunity. A recent serious illness or an illness that you have to confront every day requires strength, and one day it may not be enough to fight allergens.
4. Age from 20 years. The older a person is, the greater the concentration of harmful substances in his body.
5. Individual intolerance to products containing metal.

It is impossible to completely eliminate factors that provoke allergies, because metals have been, are and will always be in our lives. This means that you should listen carefully to your body in order to take action at the first manifestations of the disease.

Metal allergens

Various metals can cause a negative reaction. The list of the most insidious for humans includes:

• nickel. Number one on the list of metal allergens. It can be found in costume jewelry, sewing accessories, orthopedic and medical products, and in some products;
• copper. You can refuse copper jewelry, but it is almost impossible to exclude copper money from your life;
• aluminum. Both aluminum cutlery and antiperspirants that contain it are dangerous;
• zinc. It is used in fillings, so allergies may occur during or after a visit to the dental office;
• cobalt. It lies in wait for allergy sufferers in beauty salons because it is part of some hair dyes;
• chromium. Present in paint and varnish products.
• iron. Contained in many medications. This type of allergy can be a serious problem for people with anemia;
• titanium. Used in the production of dental and bone implants;
• surgical steel. “Medical” earrings are made from it. They are worn by people who have recently had their ears pierced and who suffer from allergies to some other metal; Surgical steel is the safest, but even it can cause an allergic reaction due to the impurities it contains.
• precious metals (silver, white and red gold, rhodium, etc.). They would be the most harmless if used on their own, without impurities. In fact, the lower the grade of a silver ring or gold chain, the greater the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

Symptoms

Redness of the skin at the site of contact with metal is one of the main symptoms of allergies.

Symptoms of a metal allergy are similar to other allergic manifestations:

• redness, rash, peeling and blisters on the skin in the place where there is contact with a metal irritant: from a belt buckle on a belt, from a bracelet on the wrist, from a chain on the neck, etc.;
• edema and swelling;
• itching;
• fever if the allergen affects the body for too long;
• if the metal enters the body with food, then eczema can spread to the genital area and be accompanied by headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and nausea;
• When allergenic dental implants are installed, blisters appear in the mouth, stomatitis develops, and Quincke's edema is possible.

If such symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor. The specialist will conduct the necessary studies to make a correct diagnosis.

Diagnostics

The doctor’s task is to identify all allergens. To do this, a number of diagnostic studies are carried out:

1. Blood test for immunoglobulin. With its help, malfunctions in the immune system are determined.
2. Various skin tests that are performed during remission of the disease. The allergen is either applied directly to the skin or introduced into the body through scratches or punctures. Next, the patient's reaction is examined.

   During skin testing, allergens are applied directly to the skin

3. Provocative tests. Performed when skin test results contradict visual symptoms. This diagnostic method is considered the most dangerous, since allergens are injected directly into the organ - nose, eyes, respiratory tract.

You can do a metal allergy test (patch test) at home yourself. To do this, you need to wait until all visual symptoms on the skin have passed, take an object that causes suspicion (jewelry, rivet, etc.) and attach it to your hand for several days. If it really poses a threat to you, then during this time new allergic signs will appear.

Such patch tests must be carried out by dentists before dental prosthetics in order to protect their clients from unpleasant allergic reactions from metal-ceramics, and themselves from subsequent litigation.

Drug therapy

Treatment of contact dermatitis is a complex but necessary process. If the allergy is left unattended, sooner or later it will become chronic, in which case it will never be possible to get rid of it.

1. Universal corticosteroid drugs in the form of tablets, capsules, injections or ointments - Prednisolone, Decadron, Florinef, Kenalog, Dermozolon, Mesoderm, Trimistin - will help relieve skin inflammation. Tablets are usually prescribed for a short course of up to 5 days.
2. Antihistamines - Claritin, Zodak, Cetrin, Erius - can resist the further development of allergic symptoms.
3. To remove accumulated toxins from the body, you can turn to the dietary supplement Fitosorbovit-Plus and the homeopathic remedy Lymphomyosot.
4. To restore the skin, the affected areas are treated with Panthenol, Advantan or Retinol ointments.

Important! Do not self-medicate. Any medications should be prescribed by qualified specialists - a dermatologist and an allergist.

Drugs for the treatment of metal allergies - gallery

Fitosorbovit-Plus Prednisolone Panthenol Claritin Kenalog Zodak

Folk remedies

1. It is recommended to treat the affected areas with compresses made from the juice of raw vegetables and fruits: potatoes, apples, cucumbers. Lotions made from herbal infusions are useful: calendula and chamomile, oak bark and St. John's wort.
2. In case of severe peeling, apply cream with sea buckthorn oil and goose fat, use sour cream and butter.
3. To maintain skin tone, take baths with infusions of string and chamomile.
4. Many positive reviews are left by allergy sufferers from the use of natural mumiyo, which relieves irritation well and strengthens the immune system.

Diet

Eating a balanced diet is another way to combat contact dermatitis. The diet for metal allergies is designed to strengthen the general immune system and protect the allergic person from foods that provoke a specific reaction in the body.

Nickel-containing foods should be minimized or completely eliminated from the diet:

• legumes (peas, brown beans, soybeans);
• cereals (oat and wheat bran, soy flour);
• some types of nuts (almonds, pistachios, peanuts);
• cocoa.

At the same time, you need to try to ensure that your diet remains balanced and includes a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits. This is the only way to achieve stable functioning of the immune system.

Prohibited products - gallery

Legumes Oat and wheat bran Almonds Pistachios Peanuts Cocoa

Prevention

The best way to avoid metal allergies is to avoid contact with them. But this is hardly possible in modern life. The following recommendations will help reduce the risk of contact dermatitis:

1. Don't buy cheap jewelry. It is better not to have any jewelry at all than to wear one that causes physical pain.
2. Limit your contact with existing metal jewelry. Don't wear them all the time, but only when necessary.
3. Cover the surfaces of buttons, rivets, fasteners and other accessories on clothing with small pieces of fabric or cover them with colorless varnish.
4. Remove jewelry, including wedding rings, in hot weather or when in contact with water.
5. Buy high quality jewelry without nickel impurities.
6. Stick to your diet.
7. Spend time in the fresh air more often, do not overwork. Gold is an allergenic metal 

Most doctors believe that allergies cannot be cured. But they all agree that it is possible for a person to achieve remission for long periods. You just need to accept the fact that allergies are not a death sentence, but a challenge that can be successfully overcome.

Source: https://creacon.ru/?p=11990

TsAM alloys - composition, properties and scope of application

As a material, TsAM alloy was developed almost 100 years ago. The exact name of the person (or group of people) who did this is unknown. But we know that he was an employee of the American company the New Jersey Zinc Corporation. Every year, TsAM discovers new methods of application in production, displacing its long-time competitors from the market: aluminum and brass.  

TsAM alloy composition

This is a type of zinc alloy, the main alloying elements of which are aluminum and copper. The abbreviation TsAM itself stands for zinc-aluminum-copper. The numbers indicated after the name of the alloy indicate the percentage of metals. So the designation TsAM 4-1 says that the alloy includes approximately 4% aluminum, 1% copper and 95% zinc. Also, TsAM always contain a small amount (up to 0.1%) of magnesium.

Zinc is a ductile metal of silver color and white hue. Quite fragile. It has a low melting point, high fluidity and low cost. It is the basis for TsAM.

Aluminum reduces the solubility of iron in the alloy, which has a beneficial effect on the mechanical and casting characteristics of TsAM. In addition, aluminum reduces the effect of zonal segregation. Promotes grain grinding.

Copper is introduced into the alloy in order to increase its strength characteristics. One percent copper increases the hardness value of TsAM by approximately 7%. The downside of this alloying is the deterioration of the corrosion-resistant and ductile properties of the alloy.

Magnesium is the component responsible for inhibiting the formation of corrosion foci by TsAM, including its worst type - fine-grained. It also slows down the aging process in the alloy. Excessive doping of TsAM with magnesium (over 0.1%) leads to deterioration in ductility, strength and the appearance of signs of red brittleness.

In addition to the main elements, the alloy includes components that negatively affect its properties - harmful impurities. The reason for this is the imperfection of smelting technology and the purity of the charge used. The most common impurities are:

• Tin (up to 0.001%).
• Lead (up to 0.007%).
• Cadmium (up to 0.003%).
• Iron (up to 0.1%).

The ingress of these metals with TsAM leads to a decrease in mechanical characteristics, fluidity and increases the tendency to crack formation.

Metallurgy offers over 25 varieties of TsAM, but the most widespread among them are the following brands:

• TsAM 4-1 GOST 19424-97.
• TsAM 4-3 GOST 19424-97.
• TsAM 9-1.5 GOST 21438-95.
• TsAM 10-5 GOST 24438-95.

Physical properties

The density of TsAM is 6700 kg/m3. The melting point ranges from 380-387 degrees depending on the grade of the alloy. TsAM begins to boil at a temperature of 710 C

Zinc alloy conducts heat well. The thermal conductivity coefficient is 110 W\m*K. Has an insignificant coefficient of linear expansion. When the temperature increases by 20 degrees, the length of the TsAM bar increases by 27.7 microns.

Mechanical properties

The strength of TsAM is comparable in value to the strength characteristics of steel 20. The tensile strength is 245 MPa. It begins to deform at a load of 120 MPa. The hardness of alloys on the Brinell scale is 95-100 units.

Plastic properties strongly depend on the quantitative content of alloying elements in the composition. Based on their content, the relative tensile elongation can range from 0.4 to 1.0%.

Chemical properties

TsAM alloys are characterized by good resistance to corrosion. Although a prerequisite for this should be the preliminary application of galvanic coatings to their surface. Actively interacts with most acids and alkalis.

TsAMs do not enter into chemical reactions with chemical elements such as nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, boron and silicon. Inert to ammonia at temperatures up to 480 degrees.

Technological properties

Depending on the technological purpose, TsAM are divided into the following categories:

• Casting alloys. These primarily include TsAM 4-1 and 4-3. These grades are distinguished by improved casting properties. The value of their fluidity and shrinkage makes it possible to obtain thin-walled (up to 0.5 mm) castings of complex shapes. The main method for producing such blanks is injection molding.
• Antifriction alloys (TSAM 9-1.5 and 10-5) are distinguished by a reduced thorn coefficient, whose value reaches about 0.007 units.
• Wrought TsAM alloys have increased ductility and reduced red brittleness, which allows them to be processed under pressure. In addition, they also lend themselves well to cutting.

TsAMs belong to the third group of weldability. It is very problematic to obtain a high-quality weld for this alloy. One of such probable methods is the use of argon arc welding with a copper or aluminum additive at direct current.

Also, one of the advantages of zinc alloys is the possibility of finishing the surface. TsAMs are easy to polish and do not tend to form nicks or burrs.

Application area

All of the above characteristics have allowed TsAM to become widespread in various types of production. Among them the following stand out:

• TsAMs are most widely used in the automotive industry. They are used to produce thin-walled carburetor and pump housings, radiator grilles and hydraulic brake elements.
• The bearing industry uses the alloy as a material for the manufacture of plain bearings and monometallic liners.
• In textile production, due to the ability of alloys to convey complex shades well, zippers, snaps and buttons are made.
• In the food industry, the alloy can be found as a material for parts of refrigerators, dishwashers and other household appliances.
• The trigger mechanism of small arms is produced from TsAM.
• Door fittings: handles, hinges, lock elements, etc.
• Fishing gear: reels, fishing rod elements, etc.
• You can increasingly find TsAM in watch movements.
• All kinds of souvenirs and toys.

Method for obtaining TsAM

Zinc-aluminum-copper alloys are smelted in special low-temperature furnaces. They are supplied to production in the form of pigs. Their chemical composition, dimensions and weight are regulated by the state standard GOST 19424-97.

To reduce the content of harmful impurities and, accordingly, improve the mechanical characteristics, the alloy is first subjected to refining - purification. The easiest way is to let the melt sit for several days. During this time, unwanted inclusions will float up due to the difference in the densities of the elements. This is followed by removing them from the metal mirror.

Source: https://prompriem.ru/stati/cam.html

What is medical gold made from? :

In jewelry stores you can often find items made of medical gold. You will not find jewelery hallmarks on such earrings and rings. At the same time, the seller will definitely assure you of the unique qualities of the metal. Which advertising promises are true, and what is medical gold actually made from?

Can medical metal be used as jewelry?

Products made from medical gold are distinguished by their attractive appearance and low cost. Visually, they resemble high-grade jewelry metal - 750. Sellers of such jewelry guarantee their durability. We hasten to disappoint you: officially, such a term as “medical gold” does not exist either in jewelry or in medicine. It is more of a well-promoted product brand.

Some sellers even claim that the products are made of pure gold of the highest 999 standard. Such statements should not be believed. This jewelry metal is not used in its pure form, as it is too soft and low-strength. Do not forget that pure gold has a very high price. In the manufacture of luxury jewelry, a variety of alloys are used, in which impurities give the finished products the necessary strength and durability.

In so-called medical gold, there is usually no real gold as such.

What is sold under the brand “medical gold”?

What is the “medical gold” actually made of? Most often these are alloys, which include the following components: titanium, brass or copper. There are several modern technologies for producing such jewelry.

Some of them involve the use of real gold and silver in small quantities. Titanium nitride is often used to coat products. This substance is visually very similar to gold. It is used in architecture and interior design to create a gilded effect.

Provided the correct combination and ratio of the initial components, the finished products are of high quality and durability.

Appearance of medical alloys and their real properties

Medical gold is very inexpensive and looks very attractive. The metal has a shine comparable to that of high-quality jewelry. Most often, a yellowish alloy is used to make jewelry. If you wish, it is not difficult to find “white gold” on sale - jewelry with a silver-like coating. Jewelry made from medical alloys is durable and strong.

With proper care, products made from these materials retain their original properties for many years. High-quality medical alloy “gold-like” is hypoallergenic. Even people with allergies to common metals can wear such jewelry. It is worth noting that medical gold got its name due to its widespread use in the manufacture of medical instruments and equipment.

Dental prostheses and various accessories are also made from it.

Cost of medical jewelry

How much does medical gold cost in the form of jewelry? Finished products made from this alloy have a very low price. And this is one of the reasons for their popularity, because everyone can afford to buy such jewelry. A pair of stud earrings can be bought for only 250-400 rubles.

Larger items, such as rings and necklaces, are a little more expensive - from 300-500 rubles. On average, the cost of jewelry made from medical gold rarely exceeds 1000 rubles for 1 item/set. This means that anyone can purchase such products.

At the same time, the medical alloy looks much more noble than ordinary jewelry, and is also durable.

Rules for caring for products made from medical gold

When jewelry made from medical alloys becomes dirty, it should be washed in a soapy solution. To add shine, immediately after washing, polish the surface of the product with a soft cloth. If you want your jewelry to remain pleasing to the eye for as long as possible, store it in a dry place.

Try to wet items made from medical gold less often, otherwise they will quickly lose their attractive appearance. Be sure to remove them before taking a shower or bath, or swimming in open water or swimming pools. It is also advisable not to wear rings all the time. Take them off your fingers when you plan to do household chores.

Sometimes unscrupulous entrepreneurs sell products made from lower-quality alloys under the guise of medical gold. A high-quality alloy should have a uniform shade and a noble shine. If you have any doubts, ask the seller to show the product certificate when purchasing.

Keep in mind that terms such as “medical steel” or “surgical alloy” also commonly refer to the material known as medical gold.

Source: https://www.syl.ru/article/299065/iz-chego-delayut-meditsinskoe-zoloto