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Metal Allergy?
- Thread starter kidtofu
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
mbp macbook pro metal allergy strikes again!
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
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
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
macrumors 65832
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
macrumors 68040
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.
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.
Ntombi
macrumors 68040
Man, I never thought about the allergic possibilities of the unibody. 😱
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.
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.
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 
to give away new laptops,so guys what do you think do we have a case or not 😎
to give away new laptops,so guys what do you think do we have a case or not 😎
LedCop
macrumors regular
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
😡🙄😱
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."
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. 🙁
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.
Have yet to have any sort of problem with my MBP or my 1st gen alu iPhone for what it is worth.
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.
Your MBP is an '09 model?
fibrizo
macrumors 6502
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.
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.
Yep see my sig.
+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.
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!! 😉
URG.. some people say they are allergic to technology.. and some people actually are!! 😉
allergies
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
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
macrumors 601
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 😱!!!!!!!!
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!
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 😱!!!!!!!!
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
macrumors 601
Hey Doc, how accurate is the statement that some allergies can be reversed? What needs to be done? Thanks for your comments!
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.
McGiord
macrumors 601
well...another theory is, what else from are you touching?
http://www.aolnews.com/world/article/iphone-chemical-tied-to-chinese-factory-illnesses/19406011
are you touching?http://www.aolnews.com/world/article/iphone-chemical-tied-to-chinese-factory-illnesses/19406011
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.