A woman allergic to aluminium has revealed the challenges she goes through daily to avoid a life-threatening reaction.
When Gracie Pfaff started experiencing frequent bouts of itchy rashes, she put it down to pollen in the air or a minor reaction to her family’s washing powder.
But then she suffered with hives, swelling, and even her throat closing up.
Knowing a serious allergic reaction was taking hold, the 22-year-old tried to find the pattern.
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The cause? 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 told Need To Know.
“The typical reaction is disbelief [from others].
“People often say things like: ‘Wow, I’ve never heard of that’ or ‘How can you even be allergic to aluminium?’
“I’ve gotten into the habit of carrying gloves in my purse for situations where I might need to handle a can briefly.
“It’s made me very cautious in daily life.
“Anything from checking food labels for hidden aluminium additives to being wary of my friends’ makeup.
“When I book modelling jobs, I have to bring my own makeup kits for the artists to use, so I don’t have a reaction.
“Even with tap water, traces can be present, so I have to use faucet filters.
“I have to completely avoid foil and certain cookware on a daily basis.
“I truly have to be hyper-vigilant about what my body comes into contact with.”
Gracie, from Nashville, Tennessee, US, says she was a “healthy kid” with no allergies.
She visited multiple health specialists, but claims that many hadn’t heard of the allergy, before being officially diagnosed aged 17.
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.
“Once, things got really scary.
“I had dengue fever and all I wanted was some relief.
“Without thinking, I grabbed a bag of tortilla chips, which had an aluminium lining.
“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.
“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.”
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.”
