KZU3BZRDKF4J An unusual body reaction (such as itching, redness, rash, swelling and hives) to a direct contact of something with the skin in called allergic contact dermatitis. In order to find out what was the cause for the allergy doctors use a panel of common allergens: a small amount is applied on skin and checked for a reaction. This is called patch testing.

Depending on the lifestyle a person can come across various allergens. Specialists say that the most common contact dermatitis cases happen with jewelry, cosmetics and plants. Before making any tests a dermatologist is supposed to ask questions about contacts with the most common allergens and figure out what caused the symptoms. It is very rare when the allergen does not fall into the category of the known triggers.

Various jewelry metals are considered the number one allergens. Nickel is the main representative of the group. This metal is used as a part of many chrome-plated products and its amount there is high enough to cause a reaction on skin. Stainless steel objects also contain nickel, but the metal is bound well that it should not trigger allergies in people sensitive to nickel.

Very often allergic contact dermatitis can be observed on earlobes of those who have just pierced their ears. The reason is either nickel in a needle used for piercing or in earrings. It is strongly advised to use only stainless steel needles and nickel-free earrings for at least the first three weeks. Parts of clothes such as buttons, buckles, zippers and metal clips may also trigger allergy reaction.

Some golden jewelry pieces contain nickel, so if redness, swelling or itching appear after a person wears a 14K ring it does not necessarily mean that there is gold allergy involved. Most people find out that their fear of gold was vain because it was nickel in alloy with gold that triggered the reaction.

Rubber products and latex in particular can be the source of allergic contact dermatitis too. The reaction develops quickly: the person starts feeling itching, burning, hives, tearing eyes and sometimes shortness of breath. Medical workers who have to wear tight latex gloves are the main victims of this type of allergy. Vinyl gloves would be the best solution to this problem.

Clothes and shoes might also contain rubber and cause allergies. If a person is sensitive to any rubber materials it is recommended to check very closely if the object he or she is going to purchase contains rubber or latex.

Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are known to everybody who lives in the country. They are wide-spread in parks, forests and other shady moist areas. Many people notice lines of small blisters and redness after they touch one of these plants. Itching and swelling are also common symptoms of this allergy.

The family of these plants is big; this is why the people allergic to poison ivy are recommended to be careful with plants from other countries such as ginkgo, cashews, mango and Japanese lacquer because they are related to poison ivy.