Skin reaction to braces?

[kbh75]

Has anyone ever experienced a body rash from braces? I got my top braces on Monday. I have had a rash develop all over my body and I am trying to figure out the cause. I can't think of anything I have done differently. My mouth is fine - no sores or swelling.

[bbsadmin]

You may have an allergy to nickel or latex. Please see your dentist and/or your medical doctor immediately. This is not something to ignore or play with. It could be potentially life threatening.

[kbh75]

Thank you. I will call my doctor. I don't have any problems with my mouth which is why I am hesitant to think it's the braces. But it is certainly worth checking on.

[bbsadmin]

Let us know what you find out!

[isishdz]

Hope you figure it out!

[kbh75]

Haven't figured it out but the doctor feels pretty confidant it isn't the braces. Since I don't have any issues with my mouth. Got a nice steroid shot and a steroid pack. Joy.

[bbsadmin]

If there is nothing else that can be found, and your reaction continues after you're done with the steroids, you should see an allergist. It could very well be the braces (the nickel or the latex). It is odd that your mouth is fine, but allergic reactions can sometimes take different routes. This is nothing to play around with. A severe allergy can kill you, and allergies can be very unpredictable. I have two daughters with food allergies, so I know more about this than the average person. If, at any point, you feel that you can't breathe or things are getting worse, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

[kbh75]

Thank you. The steroids helped temporarily but the rash never fully went away and is now back. I am scheduled to see a dermatologist on Friday. I really hope it isn't the braces. That is a lot of money to lose if I have to have them removed.

[Tyrantblade]

Thank you. The steroids helped temporarily but the rash never fully went away and is now back. I am scheduled to see a dermatologist on Friday. I really hope it isn't the braces. That is a lot of money to lose if I have to have them removed.

They do have alternatives out there for the metal and latex rubber parts, so its not like you will have to live with a bad smile/bite if it is the braces (or ligatures/ties or rubber bands/elastics), unless you happen to be alergic to every sort of alternative they have, which im guessing is basically statistically impossible

[kbh75]

Thanks. I have the damon self ligation braces. Clears on the front 6 and metal on all others. I don't have any bands or anything in my mouth currently. I wonder of the clear ones contain latex.

[ItsFreyja]

Ceramic brackets don't contain latex, so that's not your issue. You should definitely suspect the metal in your braces, though. The last person who posted here about a nickel allergy, her doctor held an actual nickel to the inside of her elbow while they were chatting and the immediate skin reaction confirmed the doc's suspicions even before her bloodwork came back.

I agree with bbsadmin and others that you should see an allergist; he or she can test you on an array of metals, glues, etc. and pretty definitely rule out (or in!) your braces as the culprit.