MLB Weekly Digest September 3rd Edition - NGSC Sports
My Metal Allergy Kept Me From Wearing Most Earrings — Until I Found These Hoops
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I've gotten my ears pierced twice now. And no, not to get a second hole on my upper lobe or do something bold like decorate my tragus. Twice because I had to let my initial piercings close up after learning what a metal allergy was ... The hard way. If you have sensitive skin, you know the signs: swelling, redness, irritation and worst of all, itchiness. The symptoms began when I changed my earrings for the first time, from my sterling silver studs to a pair more fun, colorful and, I hate to say it, not up to par quality-wise.
Eight-year-old me was bummed, but I eventually decided to go back for round two. Another six weeks of meticulously following Claire's aftercare protocol, and I was much more hesitant about taking them out. So much so that now, almost 20 years later, I still stick to the studs used for piercing on a day-to-day basis. But when gold hoops started trending, I fell so in love with the look that I decided it was time to test the jewelry waters. Not quite ready to invest in (pricey) solid gold earrings, only to have another traumatizing skin reaction, I figured it made more sense to try a chic but less expensive gold-plated option.
Gold Hoop Earrings Set
© Amazon Gold Hoop Earrings Set for Women, 14K Gold Plated Lightweight Hypoallergenic Chunky Open Hoops Set for Gift (Amazon / Amazon) Gold Hoop Earrings Set $ at Amazon
I found my perfect pair right on Amazon — a medium-sized, chunky hoop. Better yet, it came in a set with five other differently sized, shaped and patterned pairs. After wearing them for a week straight, I didn't have a single issue with the metal irritating my skin. No swelling, redness or itchiness, even when I had them on all day long. It makes sense considering they are listed as lead-free, nickel-free and hypoallergenic (which I didn't even know jewelry could be).
Metal allergy aside, it's easy to see why these earrings are so highly reviewed, with nearly 5,000 five-star ratings. They're extremely lightweight — a factor I didn't even consider before adding to cart, but one I will pay more attention to from now on, since it made them easy and comfortable to wear while working and working out. They also feel durable as the clasps don't bend out of shape when snapping them into place.
Style-wise, this set has pushed me to play with different earring designs than I'm used to. (I've been gravitating towards the twisted hoops lately and have been dying to try the wide-ridged croissant style next.)
They've also proven over and over again to be the easiest way to elevate any look. Even though I'm usually sporting athleisure, I always feel 10 times more put-together when I pull my hair back into a low bun, slap on a baseball cap and pop in these hoops. They're my favorite piece of jewelry to wear when I'm getting dressed up, too, and can easily transition from day to night.
If you don't have this allergy, consider yourself lucky — and please get a second piercing for me. But whether or not you do, these hoops are a great budget-friendly option for sensitive skin. I can't say they'll never tarnish since they're such a new find, but several reviewers have said they've even showered in them with no reports of discoloration. One five-star reviewer went as far as to say they offered a "spectacular value." They continued, "They have not turned my ears green, and I have worn many of these over and over again for 8-10 hour days at work. Just buy these, you really won't be disappointed in them."
I certainly wasn't. It's safe to say that my days of trading comfort for cute earrings are officially over.
This article was originally published on TODAY.Com
Metal Hypersensitivity After Joint Replacement Surgery: All You Need To Know
Newer prosthetics and implants are being developed with the aim of minimizing the risk of metal allergies Doctors sometimes recommend a hypersensitivity test before an implant is chosen for joint replacement surgery or arthroplasty to prevent metal hypersensitivity in patients.Joint replacement surgery or arthroplasty is a surgical procedure used to replace damaged joints (usually in the hip, knee or shoulder) with artificial implants. These implants are usually made of metal alloys, strong plastic and ceramic material. Many patients experience metal hypersensitivity or metal allergy after arthroplasty. Read on to causes, symptoms and treatment of metal hypersensitivity after joint replacement surgery.
Dr CS Yadav, Head of the Department of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, says, "Metal sensitivity is usually found higher in patients with knee arthroplasty. Hence, patients who have a history of metal allergy must be thoroughly examined through both dermatological and laboratory testing before undergoing the surgery. Currently, a patch test is the most common method used to determine metal hypersensitivity or reactions, though it comes with its own limitations."
Dr Yadav tells us more about joint replacement surgery, and who are at higher risk of metal hypersensitivity. Excerpts follow:
Osteoarthritis and knee replacementOctogenarians or older people mostly suffer from the degenerative disorder of osteoarthritis, which occurs more with age and increased obesity. The etiology of osteoarthritis entails a multifactorial interplay of mechanical and biological causes. As a coping mechanism, surgical therapy is required in cases of advanced osteoarthritis.
Several factors lead to the degeneration of joints. In degenerative joint diseases, there is a loss of the cartilage or cushion in the joints and thus arthroplasty is prescribed. Osteoarthritis is one of the common reasons for arthroplasty.
What is arthroplasty? It is a surgical procedure to restore the function of a joint performed by resurfacing the bones. An artificial joint called a prosthesis may also be used. Total knee arthroplasty provides extremely beneficial results, however, around 20 per cent of the cases might bear unsatisfactory results. One of the causes of unsatisfaction is metal hypersensitivity.
Research shows that 10 to 15 per cent of the patients present dermatologic symptoms caused by metal hypersensitivity after knee replacement. Nickel is responsible in the majority of cases, while cobalt, chromium, beryllium, tantalum, titanium, and vanadium are responsible for dermal symptomatology.
Symptoms of metal allergy after joint replacementSymptoms of a reaction to metal implants can range from pain and cutaneous dermatitis to aseptic loosening of the arthroplasty. While cutaneous and systemic hypersensitivity reactions to metals have increased concern after joint arthroplasties, allergies against implant materials are still quite rare and do not count as a major cause of failure.
Symptoms like rashes, swelling, or pain due to contact with certain metals can also be witnessed in cases of metal hypersensitivity and allergy. Apart from the topical reactions, metal hypersensitivity can also result in chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Causes of metal allergy and potential complicationsWhenever the immune system of a host body starts targeting foreign metal ions as threats it results in metal hypersensitivity. Normally, the cells kill foreign bacteria and viruses by causing inflammation. When the same cells start attacking metal ions that are implanted in you, metal hypersensitivity symptoms start showing up.
Metal allergies are very common in everyday life. Watches, coins, and jewellery usually act as metal allergy triggers. As stated earlier, nickel is one of the most frequent allergens, causing major dermatitis. Cobalt, copper, and chromium are also very common triggers. Medical devices also contain possible allergens such as chromium and titanium. A few implantable devices such as artificial knees, artificial hips, pacemakers, stents, fracture plates, rods, or pins may contain metals that can cause metal hypersensitivity reactions. The reactions become graver with time when the metal is implanted in the body for a longer period of time. In addition, people who already have an autoimmune disorder can have a higher risk of metal hypersensitivity.
Apart from the aforementioned complications, these are the following conditions linked to metal hypersensitivity:
Treatment of metal hypersensitivity is largely individualised. The treatment process depends upon the allergens and their reactions. Topical dermatitis metal sensitivity can be resolved by avoiding the metals that cause the reaction. Application of corticosteroid creams and ointments can be prescribed to reduce allergy reactions.
However, reactions caused by implants are more difficult to resolve. For example, if the allergy is caused by an artificial knee or hip, treatment usually involves both topical and oral medications. Due to the difficult nature of treating systemic metal allergies, doctors sometimes recommend a hypersensitivity test before an implant is chosen. Awareness and prevention remain key factors. Ask your doctor and share your concerns honestly to adjudge the best possible treatment for you.
Newer prosthetics with reduced risk of metal allergyNewer prosthetics and implants are being developed with the aim of minimizing the risk of metal allergies. For example, some manufacturers are using materials such as zirconium, ceramic, and polyethylene to create implants that are less likely to trigger an allergic response. Additionally, some implants are coated with materials that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction, such as hydroxyapatite or diamond-like carbon. These new approaches to prosthetics and implants are providing patients with more options and reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
Who needs joint replacement surgery?Joint replacement is most frequently done for the hips, knees, and shoulders. The surgery may be recommended when you have tried other non-surgical methods such as physical therapy (PT), medication, bracing, injections, to relive your joint pain, but failed. If that joint stiffness and restricted mobility impacts working, socializing, sleeping, or other daily activities, then it may be time to opt for joint replacement surgery.
Several illnesses can affect your joints, requiring surgery to replace the damaged joints, including: Osteoarthritis, Arthritis rheumatism, fractures, joints deformities, vascular death (lack of blood supply to the bone), joint infection and bone tumors.
Joint replacement can reduce pain and help patients move freely again, resume their activities and hobbies, and improve your quality of life. The success rate of knee replacement surgery is estimated to be as high as 95 per cent. Your doctor will evaluate the severity of joint damage and then only decide whether you need joint replacement surgery or not.
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Do You Have A Citrus Allergy? Learn The Symptoms
Though it's rare, some people have a citrus allergy. Symptoms are those of oral allergy syndrome (OAS), including things like tingling, itching, and swelling of the lips.
Allergies to citrus fruits are rare, but they do occur. Citrus fruits include:
You may have an allergic reaction to the fresh fruit and juice of citrus fruits or to the peels. Keep reading to learn more about what causes a citrus allergy and citrus allergy symptoms.
Most people who have a citrus allergy experience symptoms after eating food or a drink made with raw citrus fruit. The symptoms are often localized, which means that you feel them wherever the raw fruit touched your skin. Symptoms include:
These are the symptoms of oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Individuals with OAS who have reactions to citrus fruits can usually eat the fruits when they're cooked. Symptoms may appear later in life, even if you've been eating the fruit for years with no problems.
People who are allergic to citrus fruit peels may experience symptoms of contact dermatitis if they come in contact with the peel of citrus fruit.
Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by your skin releasing inflammatory chemicals after coming into contact with an allergen. Symptoms include:
In rare cases, a citrus allergy can cause a systemic allergic reaction, also called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
Seek emergency medical help if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of anaphylaxis.
First aid you should know: How to treat allergic reactions »
An allergic reaction is due to your immune system mistakenly defending your body against substances that typically don't pose a threat to you. These substances are known as allergens. When your immune system reacts to an allergen, it causes an allergic reaction.
Allergic reactions to raw citrus fruits are sometimes seen in people who have pollen allergies, in a phenomenon known as cross-reactivity. Other people may experience an allergic reaction after coming in contact with the peels of citrus fruits.
There are also documented cases of some citrus fruits causing a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, although this is very rare.
Citric acid that's found naturally in citrus fruit juice can cause irritation to your skin, mouth, and stomach. However, it does not trigger an immune system response, so is not likely to be responsible for an allergic reaction.
There are reports that some people may react to the food additive citric acid, because it is produced using a known allergen. Citric acid is added to many processed foods and drinks. However, this is different from an allergy to citrus fruits.
Another non-allergy reaction to citrus is called phytophotodermatitis. This is a rash that can appear if citrus juice gets on your skin and is then exposed to sunlight. The UV light causes substances in the juice to irritate your skin.
Cross-reactivityMany allergic reactions to citrus are due to OAS, which is caused by pollen allergies. This is known as cross-reactivity, which occurs because pollen and citrus fruits share certain proteins.
These shared proteins cause the body to react to a mouthful of fruit as if the bite delivered the allergy-causing pollen instead. This pollen-food cross-reactive allergy causes OAS.
People who are allergic to grasses in particular may experience OAS to citrus fruits. A 2013 study took a look at 72 children and young adults with grass pollen allergies.
They exposed participants to the fruit of fresh lemon, orange, and clementine with a prick test, and found that 39% of the participants who were allergic to pollen also had a positive prick test result for sensitivities to citrus.
However, a positive result on a skin test does not always mean you have a food allergy. Some people may appear to be sensitized to citrus in test results, but have no problems eating citrus. It's also possible to have negative reactions to eating citrus, but show no sensitivity to citrus on a prick test.
Limonene allergyPeople who are allergic to citrus fruit peels are often allergic to limonene, a chemical found in the peels of citrus fruits.
Just touching the outside of a citrus fruit can cause contact dermatitis symptoms for these people, but they may be able to drink fresh juice just fine. Limonene is also often used as a fragrance in cosmetics and perfumes.
Systemic allergyThere isn't much information available about how many people experience a systemic allergy to citrus fruits, but there are documented cases of people having a severe, anaphylactic reaction to oranges and other citrus fruits.
There have also been cases of food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis with oranges and grapefruits. This is a specific form of food allergy in which an allergic reaction occurs only after ingesting the allergen and then exercising soon after.
More research needs to be done to discover how many people have systemic allergies to citrus fruits.
If you or your child has food-related symptoms that could indicate an allergy, your doctor may suggest a skin-prick test.
A skin prick test involves a simple prick with a metal or plastic applicator. A doctor or nurse will firmly press the applicator onto your skin to apply a small amount of the suspected allergen. If you have a positive result, you'll see a small swelling in the area in 15 to 20 minutes.
If your child is too young to tell you if they are bothered by some fruit, keep a close eye when trying new things and monitor any reactions.
Call for medical help right away if you suspect anaphylaxis. If your allergy is severe your doctor will recommend that you carry an EpiPen with you.
If you think you or someone in your family has had a severe allergic reaction to citrus, an elimination diet is the safest way to avoid future reactions.
A strict elimination diet is probably unnecessary for most people with mild citrus allergy or sensitivities to citrus.
Seeing an allergist can help you clarify which citrus fruits need to be avoided and what products you may be able to tolerate.
Foods to avoid
Through citrus fruit can cause reactions when eaten raw, many people can safely consume them cooked. Cooking deactivates the allergic proteins in many cases. You can also try herbs like lemon verbena and sumac as substitutes for the tart citrus flavor, if a recipe calls for citrus fruit or zest.
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