Ni/Cr sensitivity from AP needles

[Guest guest]

Hi All, & Pete,

 

I wrote:

> A medline search, returned 8 hits on AP needles and needle

> dermatitis, Cr / Ni hypersensitiviry.

 

Pete Theisen replied:

> ... Phil, I guess we have to be alert to the possibility. I don't

> see how we can avoid using stainless needles. Regards, Pete

 

In >31 years of using AP, I have encountered very very few cases

of metal hypersensitivity. I ignore this possibility:

 

(a) unless the subject warns that he/she has " metal allergies "

when they see me approach with needles, or

 

(b) unless the subject develops a reaction (itch, swelling,

erythema, etc) at SEVERAL positions where I inserted needles at

a previous visit.

 

In such cases, I ignore it if the reaction is mild, but I will not use

needles again if the reaction was severe; I cannot remember such

an incident.

 

Should it arise in the future, I will use other methods of stimulating

the same AP points. [There are meny ways to do that, as you all

know].

 

Of the few cases that I remember, most involved ear-press needles,

left in-situ for 1-3 weeks. Today, when inserting those needles, I

advise the subject to remove them immediately if persistent itch or

irritation arises, and to return to me for replacement on the other

ear.

 

Most patients with mild local irritation to implanted needles tolerate

their alternation between ears without much problem.

 

 

Best regards,

 

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