Signs of an allergic reaction to titanium may include persistent attacks of tiredness.
The signs most associated with an allergic reaction to titanium are those caused by a resulting illness, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). CFS is characterized by sudden and persistent attacks of tiredness, decreased mental faculties, and physical weakness. Since titanium is widely recognized as a biocompatible metal, there are few, if any, allergic symptoms caused by skin contact. Rashes, itching, and other adverse reactions can be caused by other metals that are part of a titanium alloy, such as nickel. Scientists do not rule out the possibility that some people are allergic to titanium itself, since each person’s biochemistry is unique.
Signs of an allergic reaction to titanium may include hives.
People are more likely to develop an allergic reaction to titanium as a result of corrosion of titanium dental and surgical implants. The corroded particles ionize and bind to proteins in the body, leading to chronic fatigue syndrome. An allergic person may wake up one morning feeling inexplicably tired, regardless of how well they slept the night before. Fatigue will persist for more than 24 hours and will not subside after rest periods during the day. The tiredness can last more than six months and can be constant or recurrent.
Patients with piercings may have an allergic reaction to titanium.
Patients can also become easily confused or distracted, and can also become more forgetful. These and other symptoms can worsen the patient’s irritability, which is a symptom in itself. Impaired mental abilities are aggravated and exacerbated by severe physical disability, often preventing the patient from carrying out daily activities. Symptoms are often accompanied by migraines and muscle aches.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to titanium may include migraines.
While titanium itself is generally accepted as a metal that does not have harsh effects on the skin, many pieces of titanium jewelry contain trace amounts of other metals that can cause a reaction. Patients with piercings may experience swelling in the affected areas, as well as redness and hives. Symptoms may be mistakenly attributed to the dominant metal, titanium, in these cases. Some experts believe that only 4% of the population suffers from a true allergy to titanium.
In the event of any of these symptoms, patients should undergo allergy testing immediately. The test should determine if titanium or another residual metal is causing the allergic reactions. If the source of the symptoms is a metal implant in the body, the implant should be replaced with one made of materials tested for patient safety. However, preventing an allergic reaction can be difficult, as many common foods and products contain trace amounts of the metal.
