How long might a true allergic contact reaction, such as from poison ivy or nickel alloys, take to fully manifest after exposure?
Answer
12 to 48 hours
While direct irritant reactions, like those caused by strong soaps or acids, can cause immediate stinging and redness upon physical contact, true allergic reactions often involve a delay as the immune system mounts its response. Allergens such as poison ivy or certain nickel alloys are known to cause the full symptomatic manifestation, including redness and bumps, only after a latent period of 12 to 48 hours subsequent to the initial exposure event.

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