Hello Dr Jain.
This is Mitesh Shah, age 45.
Whenever any metal comes in contact with my skin, I tend to get rashes.
For example, if I wear a watch with a metal strap or a bracelet of any metal, I get rashes on my wrist. It gets very, very itchy and, in no time, I get some small boils which oozes out some transparent liquid due to abrasions.
Similarly, with a chain, I get rashes and itchiness all around my neck.
This has been happening since the last 20 years.
Can you help?
Thanks and regards,
Mitesh Shah
Ans: Hi Mitesh.
It looks like you are allergic to metals and I strongly recommend a metal allergy test.
Avoid wearing watches with metal straps and bases.
Most people are not allergic to pure silver and gold ornaments. Once your report detects which metal/s is/are causing your allergy, you can then get ornaments accordingly.
Home remedies include:
- Don't use strong soap on the affected area.
- Use soothing lotions, such as calamine lotion, which will help ease the itching.
- Moisturise regularly. Your skin has a natural barrier that's disrupted when it reacts to nickel and other metals causing allergy.
- Apply cold, wet compresses that can help dry blisters and relieve itching.