If a consumer reacts negatively even when wearing high-quality surgical steel, what might this reaction suggest about the source of sensitivity?
Answer
Sensitivity may be to iron itself or specific trace elements
While surgical steel is highly reliable for nickel allergies, a persistent reaction when wearing this material suggests the sensitivity profile might be more complex. If the typical culprits (nickel and chromium) are adequately controlled, a negative reaction could point toward an allergy to iron, which is the primary constituent of steel, or specific trace elements present in that particular alloy batch. In such specialized cases where even 316L causes issues, the recommendation shifts toward entirely non-ferrous metals such as solid gold or sterling silver.
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