Some coins in circulation in the U.K. and even the U.S. contain nickel, which could cause a rash if you’re allergic. If you are, cross off Royal Mint inspector from your list of dream jobs.
Credit: Getty Images
An 11-year-old boy was recently treated at a San Diego hospital after he developed a rash from an iPad.In trying to solve what caused the tech-related allergic reaction, doctors concluded that nickel in the tablet’s casing was the culprit.
We looked into what other peculiar allergies could be aggravated by everyday items.
1.Money
Some substances used in the manufacturing of coins and paper money can affect your health. For example, coins used in Australia and the U.K. — and even some in the U.S. — contain a small amount of the metal nickel, which can trigger a rash. But unless you’re working as a cashier, it likely won’t affect you.
2. Shoes
Watch what you wear! Even leather shoes can trigger a reaction. The shoe manufacturing process can involve a lot of chemicals, including adhesives, dyes and tanning agents, so you can easily get a rash if your skin is sensitive. To avoid problems, wear cotton socks or buy shoes made from all-natural materials that use stitching instead of glue to bind the sole to the upper.
3. Deodorant
For stability and scent, manufacturers of this hygiene item use more than 30 ingredients: essential oils, alcohols, preservatives, etc. Each of these components could potentially cause inflammation of the skin or even internal organs. The good news: Ingredients vary widely, so try different brands.
4. Condoms
About 6 percent of the world’s population is allergic to latex, the rubber material used to make condoms. Symptoms include itching, rash, pain and sometimes even swelling of the genitals. Non-latex brands are available.
5.Gadgets
We’re always carrying a cellphone, and likely either a laptop or a tablet; at home a TV set is waiting for us, and in case of hunger we switch on a microwave. But these common gadgets can affect an estimated 15 percent of people who have increased sensitivity to electromagnetic fields. Other wireless technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth could also pose an issue.
