Ristallergia

Ristallergia is a term that describes an allergic reaction occurring in the wrist area. This can manifest as a localized rash, itching, redness, or swelling that appears after contact with a particular substance. The causes of ristallergia are typically external, meaning the allergen is something that has touched the skin of the wrist. Common culprits include jewelry, particularly metals like nickel or cobalt, which are prevalent in costume jewelry and some watch straps. Other potential triggers can be fragrances in lotions, soaps, or perfumes applied to the wrist, or even certain types of fabric or dyes in clothing that comes into contact with the area.

The symptoms of ristallergia are usually confined to the wrist but can sometimes spread slightly. Diagnosis involves identifying the offending agent, which may require a process of elimination or patch testing by a medical professional. Treatment focuses on avoiding the allergen once it has been identified. In cases of significant inflammation or itching, topical corticosteroids or antihistamines may be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms. It is important to distinguish ristallergia from other skin conditions that might affect the wrist, such as eczema or contact dermatitis from non-allergic causes.