One day Susan McCann noticed her wrist was red, irritated, and itchy. She didn’t know why until she and her doctor determined the culprit: nickel.
McCann also found out that she wasn’t alone. One in five people in North America have the same nickel allergy she does. In the United States, that’s 11 million children alone. With technology and handheld devices becoming more common, nickel has become increasingly hard to avoid. The cause of McCann’s allergic reaction? A fitness tracker. To help reduce the effects of allergies try these simple natural remedies.
“Traditionally, we’ve seen nickel allergies in places like earrings or from belt buckles, but now we’re tending to see it a lot on the wrist from electronic fitness trackers,” dermatologist, Dr. Laura Ferris told CSB.
Nickel can be present in electronic devices, cell phones, laptops, tablets, stainless steel, and even in metal hip replacements. What’s worse is that even certain foods can trigger the allergy in those who have it. Dermatologists say people with nickel allergies should avoid soybeans, soy sauce, tofu, licorice, buckwheat, cocoa powder, clams, cashews, and figs. They recommend wearing watches and fitness trackers loosely to avoid irritation and placing a protective cover over electronic devices.
Do you have a nickel allergy? Let us know in the comments and please SHARE this important message with your family and friends on Facebook!
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