<\/span><\/h2>\nReactions to contact with cobalt in an allergic individual include allergic contact dermatitis<\/span> and irritating<\/span> contact dermatitis. Cobalt was appointed Contact <\/span>Allergens<\/span><\/span> of the year 2016 by the American contact <\/span>Dermatitis <\/span>Society. <\/span><\/p>\nVitamin B12 injections given to allergy sufferers can cause a red, tender, and itchy area around the injection site. Oral ingestion<\/span> Vitamin B12 is known to cause untreatable hand eczema<\/span> It is some patients.<\/p>\nIn many cases, allergic reactions<\/span> are not caused solely by cobalt sensitization<\/span>. For example, metal objects almost always contain nickel as well, and nickel and chromium are present in the cement industry. Nickel and chromium are also potent sensitizers therefore; Allergic reactions may not only be due to cobalt but also to a simultaneous specific allergy to nickel and chromium.<\/p>\nCobalt allergy can cause a erythema<\/span> multiform type eruption<\/span>. It can also cause airborne contact dermatitis.<\/p>\n\n
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<\/span>Am I allergic to cobalt?<\/span><\/h2>\nCobalt allergy is diagnosed from the medical history and by performing patch<\/span> tests<\/p>\nNickel and cobalt are always found together in alloys and salts because it is too expensive and impractical to separate these two metals. Therefore, patch tests should always include both cobalt and nickel. Cobalt and nickel patch test results can be confusing as it is extremely difficult to obtain pure solutions of each individual metal. The cross-reaction between cobalt and nickel is not very common, as patch tests have shown that several patients have strong reactions to cobalt but not nickel. Combined allergic reactions are not uncommon and represent simultaneous specific sensitizations to each individual metal rather than cross reactions. Intradermal<\/span> Cobalt tests can also be done to diagnose cobalt sensitivity. Current thinking is that a diagnosis of cobalt allergic dermatitis is justified if the following criteria are met.<\/p>\nConfirmed diagnosis of cobalt allergic dermatitis<\/p>\n
\n- Patient really exposed to cobalt<\/li>\n
- Positive patch test for 2% cobalt chloride in aqueous solution<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
- The 1: 1000 intracutaneous cobalt chloride test produces a delayed tuberculin reaction in aatopic<\/span> individual<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/span>Positive patch test for cobalt<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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Positive patch test for cobalt<\/p>\n
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Positive patch test for cobalt<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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<\/span>Management of cobalt allergy<\/span><\/h2>\nIdentifying potential sources of contact and avoiding them is the only long-term management strategy for cobalt allergy. Once dermatitis appears on the skin, treatment is like any other acute<\/span> dermatitis \/ eczema:<\/p>\n\n- Current<\/span> corticosteroids<\/li>\n
- Emollients<\/span><\/li>\n
- High school treatment bacterial<\/span> infection<\/span> (Staphylococcus aureus<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When it cannot be avoided, various methods can be used to try to minimize exposure. Brief contact with metal devices is generally not a problem, except for very sensitive people.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Methods to minimize exposure to cobalt<\/span><\/h3>\n\n- Use metal tools such as scissors, kitchen utensils, and combs that have plastic or wooden handles.<\/li>\n
- If necessary, wear vinyl or rubber gloves to avoid contact (however, do not use for wet work as moisture increases the penetration of cobalt into the skin)<\/li>\n
- Items like keys can be coated with several coats of clear nail polish.<\/li>\n
- In the workplace, wear protective clothing and use non-contact techniques.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>What should I do to avoid a cobalt allergy?<\/span><\/h2>\nIn the workplace, try to avoid exposure to cobalt, however this may not be feasible, therefore use measures to minimize exposure as described above. Identify possible sources of exposure using the Material Safety Data Sheets; These are required for all chemicals and substances that you may come into contact with in the workplace. If you must use products that contain cobalt, wear gloves or other protective clothing to avoid contact with your skin.<\/p>\n
Outside of the workplace, the best way to avoid a cobalt allergy is to learn about possible sources of cobalt. Read product labels and do not use any that contain cobalt or any of its alternative names. If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist for advice or a suitable alternative. Only use cosmetics, antiperspirants, and hair dyes that you know are cobalt-free. Avoid metallic jewelry. Sterling silver and platinum jewelry are generally tolerated.<\/p>\n
A cobalt allergy stain test kit containing disodium-1-nitroso-2-naphthol-3,6-disulfonate (nitrous salt R) is available from contact allergen supply companies and can be used <\/span>to detect cobalt in metallic items such as jewelry. <\/p>\nAlert your doctor or dentist to the fact that you are allergic to cobalt. your dermatologist<\/span> you may have more specific advice, especially if you are very sensitive to cobalt.<\/p>\n\n
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<\/span>Alternative names for cobalt<\/span><\/h2>\nCobalt is also known by various other names. These include:<\/p>\n