Metal Allergy?

[kidtofu]

I have developed a nasty case of contact dermatitis on my hands, and I think it's triggered by a mild metal allergy to my MBP.

Anybody have this? Anybody know where I might find some kind of a cover for the palm rests etc? I'm using an external mouse / keyboard at the moment.

It's hard trying to track down the cause of the allergy but most of my time is spent on the laptop so...

many thks! :confused:

[Warbrain]

I have developed a nasty case of contact dermatitis on my hands, and I think it's triggered by a mild metal allergy to my MBP.

Anybody have this? Anybody know where I might find some kind of a cover for the palm rests etc? I'm using an external mouse / keyboard at the moment.

It's hard trying to track down the cause of the allergy but most of my time is spent on the laptop so...

many thks! :confused:

Consider that it may be the paint on the MBP as well.

[anirban]

http://www.marware.com/PRODUCTS/MacBook-Pro/Protection-Pack-for-MacBook-Pro

[alphaod]

You can get an InvisibleShield full body kit which will cover the entire top, 95% of the bottom, the wrist/palm rest area, the touchpad/button.

[PlaceofDis]

i like the palmguard by moshi the best personally.

http://www.moshimonde.com/palmguard.htm

[alphaod]

i like the palmguard by moshi the best personally.

http://www.moshimonde.com/palmguard.htm

I like that; might get it myself.

As with regard to protection, I suggest InvisibleShield because it covers the whole computer.

[kidtofu]

thanks for all the replies!

Looking into the invisible shield. :)

[imac9556]

Hey,
Check the BestSkinsEver shield:
http://www.bestskinsever.com/servlet/the-Lap-Tops/Categories
Its like the invisible shield but much cheaper. Their customer service is also MUCH better too.

[alphaod]

Hey,
Check the BestSkinsEver shield:
http://www.bestskinsever.com/servlet/the-Lap-Tops/Categories
Its like the invisible shield but much cheaper. Their customer service is also MUCH better too.

InvisibleShield worked for me and my friends; they got replacements, etc. Yes you will need to pay $4 shipping, but that's it; worth every cent. I heard that the BestSkinEver is nice, but they didn't make one for the 17".

[ava1]

This has happened to my 14 year old as well. Whenever he touches my Mac laptop he reacts. He then will touch his eyes or rest his fingers on his neck and in a short amount of time where ever he touched is bright red and itchy. This never happens when he uses the IBM computer I have in the house. I have an allergy specialist looking into it.

[Bobioden]

i like the palmguard by moshi the best personally.

http://www.moshimonde.com/palmguard.htm

I agree, this would be my suggestion too.

[jayhawk11]

Definitely check out Invisible Shield. They rock. A little pricier, but if you google it hard enough, you can find 50% off coupons pretty regularly. Add to that the fact that they have a lifetime warranty, and you're set.

[wgilles]

Sue apple for not disclosing that their products may contain peanuts and you are allergic to them. :eek:

[maccie21]

I also have metal allergy, or rather "nickel allergy" according to google. Anyways, I didn't notice anything with the MBP, but that may be because I put on the bestskinever shield the day after I got it. Are your hands wet when you're touching the MBP? I asked because for me, it seems like the reaction initiates when I come in contact with water. Anyways, I've never used invisibleshield, but I would say try bestskinever if you want to save a little bit of money. I bought one for my 15 in. MBP, and love it!

[macbook&cheese]

Hi!
I know this will bump it back up, but I also have this problem. I called apple and they said I was the first to call with this problem and weren't sure what to do. The engineer I talked to was really concerned, but did confirm that the aluminum cases have nickel in them. They are working on finding out exactly how much nickel. I don't want to use the invisible shield because my computer already runs hot, and plastic and heat don't really mix. Apple is getting back to me. I pointed out that by eliminating the plastic cases, they're eliminating metal allergy safe options, and the guy was even more concerned. I have begun to wear the sweat guards that nike makes on my wrists, and its working well so far (The six inch ones give adequate coverage). I am waiting to see what apple comes up with. Good luck to everyone with it, the allergy is more common than you think.

[futuremac]

Tomorrow I'll be picking up my last gen MBP I just purchased. Lately I seem to be getting heavy allergies. In fact my throat began swelling and closing just minutes ago after my sister let the cat inside the house for a few minutes. But that's just the tip of the iceberg... and I hope I don't react to the nickel tomorrow.

My sister calls me Bubble Boy.

[macbook&cheese]

Uh, I don't know if you wear a lot of jewelry, bubble boy, but if you have cheap jewelry or can borrow your sister's cheap jewelry (every girl usually has some somewhere...) you can find out. Cheaper jewelry has a higher nickel content. If you react to the cheaper jewelry, you react to the nickel. The more you wear the nickel, the more likely you are going to react to it. So if you react to the cheaper jewelry, over time, and especially if you use your computer a lot, you may start reacting to it.

I'd suggest covering it asap, but I'm not sure the companies have started making the covers for the newest computers yet

[ava1]

MACBOOK&CHEESE can you give me the name of the tech and number. I would like to tell him of another case. Plus my son can not use the covers because he is allergic to latex.

[kells277]

I have just realized I have the same nickel allergy as well. I would definitely like to report it to apple to make sure they don't eliminate allergy safe options.

[steve333]

I'm getting reaction as well to my just purchased Macbook Pro with the matte screen. Been a few days and I am reacting to the faint smell emanating from the keyboard. For some reason the display is also bothering my eyes but that may just be because of my allergies.
I'm sure there will be a restocking fee from Mac connection if i try to return it.
This sucks!

[jessica.]

^^^ You could try to sell it, but anyway, what smell? I've never heard of a smell coming from them.

[steve333]

^^^ You could try to sell it, but anyway, what smell? I've never heard of a smell coming from them.

I have chemical sensitivity. I pick up smells that most people wouldn't even notice.
To be fair to Apple this thing probably has less new product odors than most other electronics.
I think I may be better off with a Mini if they make a new one as environmentally friendly as the current macbooks and macbook pros (which would have been a better choice except for the glare inducing glossy screens).

So, I could try and return this or sell it on ebay if Apple announces a new Mini at Macworld. Of course theres also a risk that I will react to whatever monitor I buy.
Man, sucks to be me!

[sercasti]

same here... i feel really stupid about this....
bought my first macbook a week ago, im really happy about it and im loving it... but after a long typing night, this morning I woke up with my hands on a pretty bad shape, went to the hospital and they told me im allergic to nickel... in the very moment the doctor told me that, i realized the metallic surface of my brand new mac..

[Abstract]

Perhaps try the Moshi Palmguard?

[eastercat]

:eek:I had bought invisible shield to protect against scratches. However, it's a relief to hear that it's also useful for my nickel allergies.

[jedidove]

I have a metal allergy too, I don't have my mbp yet so I don't know how it will fare with that. I consider it a snobish/werewolfish allergy, any cheap jewelry (as someone else mentioned) makes me break out in under an hour. Even genuine silver makes me break out. Everything has to be gold or better lol (white gold is good too).

[timrand]

2 weeks after switching from a macbook (plastic) to macbook pro, I began to get very itchy clustered blisters on the palms and soles. At first I thought they might be related to going swimming at a public pool, but my doctor diagnosed dishydrotic eczema, an immunological disorder. He didn't think it was a fungal infection related to swimming. It is apparently linked to environmental triggers. In reading up on it, I saw many reports suggesting nickel as the culprit. Other medical literature suggested various causes but included reference to it being common in metal workers (i.e. exposure to solutions with metal contamination). As I was reading that on my macbook pro I suddenly made the connection--ugggh! the metal case of my beloved macbook pro?!!! Quick google search lead confirmed the suspicion--others have noticed the same correlation. I am switching back to my macbook (plastic).
If it goes away with that, I will consider getting a plastic covering for the macbook pro. Pretty unfortunate to buy a computer and get dishydrotic eczema.
Tim

[butterfly0fdoom]

Okay now I'm worried; I already know I have the allergy (yay for titanium glasses). I was already planing on a hardshell case when I upgrade; I guess I'm going to need a palm guard, too, eh? :(

[wywern209]

oh boy.. this just sucks to be someone with nickel allergies. i got mucky and only have some dust allergies which are minor( i don't break out or anything. i just get the sniffles.). i suggest getting a palm guard. if that doesn't work or if ur allergic to latex or something. get a pair of biking gloves and wear long sleeves.

[eastercat]

I have the same allergies too. Thank goodness I can buy titanium eyeglass frames for under a $100 or I'd go broke.
Because I was concerned about scratches, I had already gotten invisible shield (since best skins ever doesn't do a 17" version). I had already sort of figured that it'd also protect me against allergies as well.

I have a metal allergy too, I don't have my mbp yet so I don't know how it will fare with that. I consider it a snobish/werewolfish allergy, any cheap jewelry (as someone else mentioned) makes me break out in under an hour. Even genuine silver makes me break out. Everything has to be gold or better lol (white gold is good too).

[Ntombi]

Man, I never thought about the allergic possibilities of the unibody. :eek:

I'm allergic to many more foods than can be listed, and most trees and grasses, along with other things, so I feel your pain. I already have to avoid so many pleasurable things (including a couple of whole food groups), I don't know what I'd do if I were also allergic to my Mac! :( I can't wear cheap jewelry either, so I sincerely hope that's not a sign. I just got my uMBP today.

I hope the shields are working for you guys.

[iaab]

hi i also have allergy from my mbp17, i have it for 2 years now, lets united we who have allergy and write protest letter to apple,we r gonna be kind and we're not gonna sue them,instead they shoud give us free laptops of choice ,that is least they can do for us,its maybe 10 of us that have problem,its not biggie for :apple: to give away new laptops,so guys what do you think do we have a case or not :cool:

[LedCop]

hi i also have allergy from my mbp17, i have it for 2 years now, lets united we who have allergy and write protest letter to apple,we r gonna be kind and we're not gonna sue them,instead they shoud give us free laptops of choice ,that is least they can do for us,its maybe 10 of us that have problem,its not biggie for :apple: to give away new laptops,so guys what do you think do we have a case or not :cool:

:mad::rolleyes::eek:

Lemme guess, do you want even more metallic MacBook Pros for your metal allergy?

Because you said "free laptops of choice" rather than "plastic Macbook."

[iaab]

:mad::rolleyes::eek:

Lemme guess, do you want even more metallic MacBook Pros for your metal allergy?

Because you said "free laptops of choice" rather than "plastic Macbook."

i will settle with macbook:eek:

[splitpea]

Ugh, I've got a nickel allergy too (I get itchy rashes from my watch, from cheap jewelry, and even from the fly of my jeans if I don't cover the inside of the button with a band-aid), and never considered before that this could be a problem with the MBP I'm saving up for. That might just be the tipping point in favor of a hackintosh. :(

[reallynotnick]

Hmmm I have a nickel allergy, always had a problem with cheap watches as a kid, the metal screws would give me a rash. Also now that my belt has rubbed off whatever was covering it it can kind of irritate me. Always bought either Titanium or stainless steel glasses.
Have yet to have any sort of problem with my MBP or my 1st gen alu iPhone for what it is worth.

[splitpea]

Also now that my belt has rubbed off whatever was covering it it can kind of irritate me.

I have the belt problem too. I wear the buckle to the side instead of the front, which keeps it from contacting the skin nearly as often.

Have yet to have any sort of problem with my MBP or my 1st gen alu iPhone for what it is worth.

Your MBP is an '09 model?

[fibrizo]

Not to hijack the thread, but I wanted to make somethings clear for people

As a point of disclosure, I am a physician and I am doing specialist training in allergy.

Ni

I'm not sure how much nickel is in the macbook pros, as they say it's a solid brick of aluminum. That isn't to say that in the polishing process that it can't come into contact with it. But likely it could be the chemicals used to manufacture the notebook.

If you have "nickel allergies", you should avoid most gold and white gold unless you can go to a reputable jeweler who will use more expensive metals to anneal to the gold. 10, 14, 18 carat golds are often combined with metals like nickel to make them harder. So if you have a hypersensitivity to nickel, it's best to avoid, or get it from somewhere you know what's being added to it. High end gold alloys will contain palladium which costs alot, etc.

Also about dishydrotic eczema, it actually is quite common. I've had it myself to the alcohol hand sanitizer I used alot in the hospital. It takes a long time to get better, and is often difficult to diagnose the actual cause.

[kellen]

Tip I was told when learning about nickel allergies is to coat stuff with clear nail polish. Obviously not with a MBP, but earrings and other things.

[reallynotnick]

Your MBP is an '09 model?
Yep see my sig.

Tip I was told when learning about nickel allergies is to coat stuff with clear nail polish. Obviously not with a MBP, but earrings and other things.
+1
Used to have to do that as a kid on the screws of cheap plastic watches. However I just kind of gave up on wearing watches.

[gnomie]

Hmmm.. yes painting you laptop with nailpolish WOULD be weird. I'm thinking of getting a new MBP but know I react to metals. I wonder if Apple could coat the mac with something for those with both metal and latex sensitivity? Surely something like the nailpolish solution on jewelry, belts and buttons could be formulated for a computer?
URG.. some people say they are allergic to technology.. and some people actually are!! ;)

[kap*]

I purchased my new MacBook Pro 2 weeks ago and was immediately caught up in an allergy attack. First night, itchy, watery eyes..Second night the same except with severe sneezing. third night - blisters, severe, on fingers and progressing up my wrist. At that point I new it was the metal in/on the MBP

[McGiord]

OP: when does your allergic reaction started?
Are you sure it's due to metals or is it due to something else that you are touching or using to wash your hands?
Don't be fooled by the initial guess.

I will be completely miserable not been able to touch my Mac, allergic to my Mac :eek:!!!!!!!!

So, here is my story:

I had a terrible reaction once on my hands, and since then it happens when the allergen is present again. My fingers get tiny blisters all together forming what I call a "Hellboy hand". They itch and my fingers get swollen. And after several dermatologist visits and trying to find what was causing it, some told me that I was allergic to soaps, and others to nickel in my keys.

I realized that the location of the allergic reaction was always starting specifically on my right hand fingers, thumb and pointer, and not on the left hand.
And after checking what I was doing during some days, I realized that it was due to the liquid hand soap that was used at my employers' restrooms, and also what was the reason why it was always on the same spot.
I wear glasses and I am used to wash them with dish soap at home, and while away liquid hand soap, I do this at least once a day. So I scrub the lenses with my fingers.
And the key reason, besides the soap itself, was that sometimes I was not rinsing all the soap from my fingers when doing that, you know always in a hurry. Now I am very careful with it.

So check what your habits are, and what other things you touch or put on your hands.

Remember that another way to avoid the contact might be using a hand lotion that will keep a protective film between your skin and the allergen. Ask your doctor about it in case you prefer that instead to use a glove or cover your Mac.

Good luck!

[McGiord]

As a point of disclosure, I am a physician and I am doing specialist training in allergy.


Hey Doc, how accurate is the statement that some allergies can be reversed? What needs to be done? Thanks for your comments!

[Mark.W]

Consider that it may be the paint on the MBP as well.
The MBP is anodized, not painted.

[Mark.W]

I'm not sure how much nickel is in the macbook pros, as they say it's a solid brick of aluminum.
The MBP is not made of pure aluminum. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything made of pure aluminum. That's because aluminum is a very soft metal and is ill-suited for consumer - let alone industrial - applications.

Whenever you hear something being referred to as made of "aluminum", it really means aluminum alloy. There are many types of aluminum alloys and nickel is a very common alloying element among them.

[Ramphex]

you sure it's not just a "rug burn" effect from using it too much lol

[dsprimal]

checkout bodygaurdz.com alternative to invisible shield ;)

[McGiord]

well...another theory is, what else from :apple: are you touching?

http://www.aolnews.com/world/article/iphone-chemical-tied-to-chinese-factory-illnesses/19406011

[Hayduke60]

Ummm, Nickel is not an alloy that is used in cheap commercial aluminum. Nickel is used mostly in ferrous alloys. There may be nickel in your laptop, hard drive parts, magnets, batteries, screws, and such, but the case itself contains no nickel. The dye used in the anodizing process may contain trace amounts of nickel. Kinda hard to know for sure. But from what I've read, there are international exposure limits on nickel. It wouldn't make sense for Apple to coat your lappy in a toxic substance.

[ThorpC]

A friend and I, living in two separate states, recently got new MacBooks. We both are complaining about a really itchy rash - which look a lot alike - and the only thing we have in common are new macbooks. the rash started on our hands but now appears in different places all over our bodies.
So glad to have found this forum to discover we're not necessarily crazy. Will be calling the mac people.

[pvandoorne]

Ummm, Nickel is not an alloy that is used in cheap commercial aluminum. Nickel is used mostly in ferrous alloys. There may be nickel in your laptop, hard drive parts, magnets, batteries, screws, and such, but the case itself contains no nickel. The dye used in the anodizing process may contain trace amounts of nickel. Kinda hard to know for sure. But from what I've read, there are international exposure limits on nickel. It wouldn't make sense for Apple to coat your lappy in a toxic substance.

I developped a nickel allergy about 4 years ago. It was originally due to the frames of my glasses and only manifested as some minor exzema between my eyebrows. So i started wearing plastic frames.

That same year i bought a 15" MacBook Pro. I used it until early 2010, by then my hands looked like a leper's, bleeding and with soars all over them.

As soon as i stopped touching the keyboard, my hands healed.

This is also a problem with cell phones, iphones, etc (apparently only Nokia has gone 100% nickel-free).

I will not buy another MBP, until Mac offers nickel-free options.

BTW, I've seen about 4 dermathologists, and 2 allergy specialists.
Because of the severity of my rash, i was put on prednisone, with doses that started at 50 mg a day and are now at 7.5 mg every other day. I was also prescribed clobetazol cream on my hands and that has helped.

It has cost me a lot of money in treatments.

Apparently the percentage of people developping this type of allergies is increasing, because companies didn't think about the overexposure to metals caused by their products.

In Europe it is now forbidden to have high levels of free nickel in the materials that make up the surface of cell phones and other products.