Spring Concerts: Hazardous to Your Health?

Musicians with nickel allergy may be unaware of the potential problems associated with many band instruments. With Spring concert season underway, keep nickel allergy in mind when suspicious rashes develop around the mouth, fingers, and chin.
By: Rita Arrup
March 26, 2012 - PRLog -- As many schools prepare for Spring Concerts, many band teachers, students, and parents may be unaware of potential problems for anyone suffering with nickel allergy.

Brass, woodwinds, and string instruments may all contain nickel.  Musicians have long considered contact dermatitis to be an occupational hazard for those with allergies to metal.  Further exacerbating the problem of skin contact with nickel is the pressure, friction, and moisture related to sweat and saliva.  These conditions worsen an already existing nickel allergy causing extreme discomfort.

Symptoms of nickel allergy include red rashes, bumps on the skin, moderate to severe itching, swelling, blisters or crusting skin.  These symptoms are generally isolated to the area in contact with the metal containing nickel.

Parents and teachers should consider recommending nickel allergy testing for a guitarist with rashes on the hand, an oboist with itchy lips, or even a violinist using a metal chin rest that is causing welts on the neck area.

There are remedies, but each case should be tested by an allergist or dermatologist to make the correct diagnosis.  Following testing, it may be recommended that the band member take a break from music until the skin condition heals.  Additionally, acoustic guitarists may select from bronze, copper or nylon strings that will not cause a reaction.  Plastic mouthpieces are available for woodwind and brass instruments, and in some cases, gloves may help the allergy.

To forestall these problems, consider testing band instruments prior to buying or using them.  Minute concentrations of nickel can be detected by using Nickel Alert™, by Athena Allergy.  This product can show a positive nickel result in seconds and is safe to use on any band equipment.  

Should band members find there is a nickel allergy, AthenaAllergy.com has up-to-date information on nickel allergy as well as products that will enable the allergy sufferer to live a comfortable life.  The owners of this company  have extensive experience with allergic contact dermatitis and guarantee their certified nickel free products to never cause an allergic reaction to nickel.

Once a person has been diagnosed with nickel allergy, it is important to protect the skin from metals containing nickel.  Nickel Guard™ a brush-on protective coating from Athena Allergy, creates a micro-bond barrier that seals the metal preventing the nickel from contacting the skin.  Athena Allergy also offers an extensive line of nickel free belts, handmade hypoallergenic earrings, and other accessories designed for those suffering with nickel allergy.  There is no need to suffer the discomforts of nickel allergy when there are excellent products and resources available.

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Athena Allergy-The Nickel Allergy Experts! We offer unique products that will test for nickel in jewelry and other metal items - Nickel Alert as well as a proven effective barrier from nickel - Nickel Guard. Quick and easy to use Nickel Solution. www.athenaallergy.com
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