Stainless steel allergy?

**BullHorn** · #1 10-31-2008, 06:27 AM

Recently weird lesions began appearing on the fingers of both hands. The location of the small lesions seems random (Above the nail, at the joint, etc. Not exactly the location that I use to play on the string).

Have anyone else experienced something similar? I'm trying to figure if it's bass-related.

I will definitely try nickel strings later, even though I've yet to play nickel strings that I liked.

mulambo · #2 10-31-2008, 06:52 AM

Brother, it seems to be "ipsoriase" (thats the name in portuguese), i suffer from it from decades. Its not related to the stainless steel strings. Its an alergic process decorrent of stress and emotional disequilibrium. It usually afects the extremities of body, hands and feet.
Actually, nickel strings are even worst for it, cause nickel is a material more agressive than steel to the skin.
The solution in more in changing your mind and life style than strings.
When i am on a crisis, i play flatwound steel strings or even nylon coated for keeping my techinique in shape. With nylon, even on the worst moments u will be able to play. Got a second bass for use these strings.
Good luck and take care!

**line6man** · #3 10-31-2008, 07:24 AM

Seriously, i thought that stainless steel was sterile...
How could you possibly have an allergy or something to it?

dlloyd · #4 10-31-2008, 07:58 AM

Stainless steel often has low levels of nickel in it.

Rotosound claim to have nickel free stainless steel.

Deacon_Blues · #5 10-31-2008, 08:02 AM

I have a slight nickel allergy, meaning I can't wear regular watches on my arm because it starts to itch terribly where the watch is. Stainless steel alloys usually contain nickel. So I have to use Titan if I want to use a metallic watch.

I've played on any strings, including nickel strings, without any problems though. I guess it's because my hand isn't always in contact with the strings and the skin on my hands is thicker than on my arm.

**BullHorn** · #6 10-31-2008, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mulambo

Brother, it seems to be "ipsoriase" (thats the name in portuguese), i suffer from it from decades. Its not related to the stainless steel strings. Its an alergic process decorrent of stress and emotional disequilibrium. It usually afects the extremities of body, hands and feet.
Actually, nickel strings are even worst for it, cause nickel is a material more agressive than steel to the skin.
The solution in more in changing your mind and life style than strings.
When i am on a crisis, i play flatwound steel strings or even nylon coated for keeping my techinique in shape. With nylon, even on the worst moments u will be able to play. Got a second bass for use these strings.
Good luck and take care!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoriasis

It might be... My grandfather has it, I understand it's genetic. It doesn't hurt, it just doesn't look very good. ._.

mulambo · #7 10-31-2008, 11:21 AM

Anyway, there is no problem with yout stainless steel strings. Keep them, be more Zen and have fun!
Cheers!

HMZ · #8 10-31-2008, 05:05 PM

I had a problem with cuts and sores on my hands. I had it for about three years. The doctors couldn't figure it out I used every hand cream I could find prescription and over the counter types.
At the time I was using stainless steal strings and my fingers and hands were a blood mess. I switched to nickel coated strings and my hands have been fine ever since. Its been about four years now and I will never go back to stainless steel strings. People have told me they have heard people being allergic to nickel but not stainless steel. All I know is it worked for me.