A MODEL’S hay fever symptoms turned out to be a life-threatening allergy to everyday items like crisp packets and makeup,
When Gracie Pfaff started experiencing frequent bouts of itchy rashes, she initially it down to pollen in the air or a minor reaction to her family’s washing powder.
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However she soon realised it was more serious when she started suffering from hives, and swelling, and saw her throat close up,
Eventually, the 22-year-old realised her reaction would happen whenever she came into contact with aluminium.
“Even simple interactions can be tricky, like explaining to someone why I can’t pick up a dropped soda can,” the digital marketing consultant and nonprofit founder said.
Gracie said the allergy has made her “very cautious”.
“I’ve gotten into the habit of carrying gloves in my purse for situations where I might need to handle a can briefly,” she said.
My hand started blowing up like a balloon, then my lips doubled in size and my eyes were swollen shut,
She now has to check every food label for “hidden aluminium additives” and be weary of friends’ makeup.
“When I book modelling jobs, I have to bring my makeup kits for the artists to use, so I don’t react,” she said.
“Even with tap water, traces can be present, so I have to use filters.
“I have to avoid foil and certain cookware daily completely.
“I truly have to be hyper-vigilant about what my body comes into contact with.”
Gracie, from Tennessee, US, says she was a “healthy kid” with no allergies.
She visited multiple health specialists but claimed that many hadn’t heard of the allergy, before being officially diagnosed aged 17.
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Since then, she’s had to navigate her daily life carefully, as it can be life-threatening.
Gracie said: “If I ingest it, my throat, lips and eyes swell up.
“If I touch it, I’ll break out in hives and swell.
“Even low levels of exposure can cause problems, such as brittle hair and nails, as well as fatigue.”
‘TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE’
One day, Gracie’s allergy came to a head when she grabbed a bag of tortilla chips – which had an aluminium lining – without thinking.
“Just a few minutes later, my hand started blowing up like a balloon, then my lips doubled in size and my eyes were swollen shut,” she said.
“I could barely breathe.
“My dad, trying to help, offered some medications, but that contained aluminium, too.
“It was a terrifying experience and it showed me how seriously to take this allergy.”
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How to know if you’re allergic to aluminium
Aluminium allergy is relatively uncommon.
But if you suspect you’re allergic to it pay attention to your reactions after contact with aluminum-containing products, such as deodorants, antacids, or vaccines.
Symptoms of an allergy may include redness, itching, and swelling at the contact site, or more generalized reactions like hives, itching elsewhere on the body, or even anaphylaxis in extreme cases.
If you notice these symptoms consistently after aluminium exposure, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional.
They may recommend patch testing, a diagnostic procedure where small amounts of aluminium are applied to the skin under controlled conditions to observe for an allergic reaction.
Identifying an aluminium allergy is essential for managing symptoms and avoiding triggers.
Gracie keeps antihistamines on hand in case of a reaction; but says more awareness is needed since it can be tricky spotting the signs.
Now, she shares her daily life and challenges on TikTok with the hopes that people will become more understanding.
She added: “Just because an allergy is uncommon, doesn’t mean it’s any less serious.
“I’ve eliminated most aluminium from my home and I am always sure to speak up if needed.
“Pay attention to patterns.
“If you notice rashes, itching or other unexplained symptoms, take note.
“It’s important to be observant before it becomes debilitating – and in some cases, life-threatening.”
What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis and what should you do?
Symptoms of anaphylaxis happen very quickly.
They usually start within minutes of coming into contact with something you’re allergic to, such as a food, medicine or insect sting.
Symptoms include:
- swelling of your throat and tongue
- difficulty breathing or breathing very fast
- difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice
- wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing
- feeling tired or confused
- feeling faint, dizzy or fainting
- skin that feels cold to the touch
- blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
You may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised or itchy.
Follow these steps if you think you or someone you’re with is having an anaphylactic reaction:
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if you have one – instructions are included on the side of the injector.
- Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you’re having an anaphylactic reaction.
- Lie down – you can raise your legs, and if you’re struggling to breathe, raise your shoulders or sit up slowly (if you’re pregnant, lie on your left side).
- If you have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it’s still in the skin.
- If your symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a 2nd adrenaline auto-injector.
Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better.
Source: The NHS