Critical Issues
In addition to the presence of nickel in jewelry, there are three other issues which predispose people to skin allergic reactions. The first is psychological/physical stress, the second is diet and the third is normal aging.
Stress and Hydrocortisone and the Barrier Function of the Skin (distinct type)
Most people who develop skin allergies or inflammations treat them with topical hydrocortisone creams. Hydrocortisone is a wonderful anti-inflammatory agent, but over time it will make these conditions worse. Yes, we said WORSE. Hydrocortisone, whether applied topically, or increased in the blood due to psychological or physical stress, will eventually BREAKDOWN the barrier function of the skin. It is well established in the scientific literature that allergic dermatitis and psoriasis are often preceded by prolonged periods of psychological stress. We have all heard about people who begin “itching themselves to death” after a period of psychological trauma. Now you know why.
The following scientific articles, which can be read online, support these statements. Click on the publisher boxes to read these articles in their entirety online.
Psychological Stress Damages the Integrity of the Skin
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=15737200&itool=pubmed_docsum
Topical Anti-inflammatory Steroids Inhibit the Formation of Barrier Function Lipids
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=12736500&itool=pubmed_docsum
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dop =AbstractPlus&list_uids=12603860&itool=pubmed_docsum
If you MUST use topical hydrocortisone or one of its stronger variants, such as prednisolone or dexamethasone, do so sparingly. Once the inflammation goes away, use NickelBlock™ to retard further skin allergic reactions.
Diet and the Barrier Function of the Skin (distinct type)
In general, we consume too many omega 6 oils in our diet. These oils include corn, soy, safflower, and canola oils. These oils contain a high concentration of linoleic acid, a fatty acid which is an eventual precursor of inflammatory prostaglandins. The best dietary oil for skin and other purposes is linolenic acid (note the spelling difference) found in high concentrations in flax oil. This is an omega 3 oil. In addition to the production of skin prostaglandins, oils such as peanut and olive, which contain a high concentration of the omega 9 oil oleic acid, are also NOT good for our skin.
The following article is a bit complex, but this is what it says. TEWL or trans epidermal water loss refers to the loss of water from the skin. This occurs when the barrier function of the skin is disrupted. Saturated fats do not increase the TEWL but oils that contain linoleic, arachidonic and oleic acids cause an increase in TEWL or water loss in the skin. Skin that suffers from a high TEWL will be dry and susceptible to contact allergic reactions. So don’t apply olive oil to your skin.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=9603659&itool=pubmed_docsum
The best natural oil for the skin is pork fat. It has the same basic lipid composition as that found in human skin. This is an age old natural remedy for all kinds of skin problems. Of course, it is greasy, smells bad and you will be chased by bears and dogs wherever you go (they can smell pork fat a mile away), but what the hell. Your skin will look nice.
Aging and Your Skin (distinct type)
As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more susceptible to skin rashes. We don’t know how well NickelBlock™ will work on someone over the age of 60 years of age, but it’s worth a try. The following is a nice review article on the effects of aging on the barrier function of our skin. It can be read online.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt =AbstractPlus&list_uids=7738193&itool=pubmed_docsum