Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsPrevalence of Contact DermatitisCausesDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Prevalence of Contact Dermatitis
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
People who are allergic to cobalt will have an allergic reaction tovitamin B12, also known ascobalamin. This is because cobalamin contains cobalt atoms. However, cobalt allergy and subsequent vitamin B12 allergy are rare.
Cobalt is a mineral with many uses. It’s in rechargeable batteries, automotive airbags, steel-belted tires, and magnets. It gives a distinctive blue tint to glass and is used as a blue pigment in cosmetics, paints, and inks.
If you’re allergic to cobalt, high vitamin B12 doses can causecontact dermatitis.This article explores the symptoms and causes of this allergy plus how it’s diagnosed and treated.
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Emergency SymptomsIn rare cases, intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 may lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis.Anaphylaxis is always a medical emergency.Anaphylaxis symptomsmay include:ItchingHivesShortness of breathSwollen throat or trouble swallowingWheezingVomitingDiarrheaGet immediate medical help for these symptoms.
Emergency Symptoms
In rare cases, intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 may lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis.Anaphylaxis is always a medical emergency.Anaphylaxis symptomsmay include:ItchingHivesShortness of breathSwollen throat or trouble swallowingWheezingVomitingDiarrheaGet immediate medical help for these symptoms.
In rare cases, intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 may lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis.Anaphylaxis is always a medical emergency.
Anaphylaxis symptomsmay include:
Get immediate medical help for these symptoms.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Allergy
Taking large amounts of vitamin B12 can cause a skin reaction, calledcontact dermatitis, in people who are sensitive to cobalt. Contact dermatitis isn’t usually life-threatening. However, vitamin B12 allergy can be life-threatening, but it rarely occurs.
Contact dermatitis comes in two types: irritant andallergic.
Irritants can cause irritant contact dermatitis in anyone, whereas allergic contact dermatitis is only possible if you’re allergic to the substance.
A contact dermatitis rash is:
Your skin may be dry, cracked, inflamed, and tender to the touch.The reaction can happen anywhere on your body.
What Are Allergens?
Females have it slightly more often than males. Teenagers and middle-aged adults seem to get it more than other age groups.
Vitamin B12 supplements (either oral or injectable) are normally taken to support a healthynervous systemand are often needed in people who are deficient in vitamin B12.The deficiency can occur when people have difficulty absorbing foods with B12 in the small intestine.
Cobalt allergies most often develop in people exposed to it in eye makeup, tattoos, or industrial products, causing an itchy, red, scaly rash. Once you’re sensitized to cobalt, you’ll develop allergic contact dermatitis whenever you’re exposed.
If you have a B12 deficiency, a cobalt allergy can make it hard to manage. Talk to your healthcare provider about how much B12 is safe for you.
What Is Vitamin D Deficiency?
A cobalt allergy is diagnosed with a patch test. This involves placing a dime-sized cobalt-laden patch on your back for about 48 hours.
Your reaction is noted after 48 hours, then again a day or two later. The test is positive if you have blisters, redness, and/or mild swelling at the site.
A vitamin B12 sensitivity can appear as a rash after you take a supplement. A severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can occur after taking large amounts of vitamin B12 orally or as an injection.
The Difference Between Blood Tests and Skin Tests for Allergies
The rash from allergic contact dermatitis can be treated with topical orsystemic corticosteroids. However, the best treatment for a cobalt allergy is avoiding large doses of vitamin B12 and products containing cobalt.
If you have a B12 deficiency, you should only take the minimum amount needed to raise your levels to normal.
Summary
Large doses of vitamin B12 can trigger a cobalt allergy. That may cause a red, painful rash called contact dermatitis. Most cobalt exposure is from makeup, industrial uses, and B12 supplements.
Cobalt allergies are diagnosed with a patch test. Contact dermatitis is treated with steroids. Avoiding large amounts of B12 and exposure to products containing cobalt helps manage the condition.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Alinaghi F, Bennike NH, Egeberg A, Thyssen JP, Johansen JD.Prevalence of contact allergy in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Contact Derm. 2019;80(2):77-85. doi:10.1111/cod.13119Wajih Ullah M, Amray A, Qaseem A, et al.Anaphylactic Reaction to Cyanocobalamin: A Case Report. Cureus. 2018 May 5;10(5):e2582. doi: 10.7759/cureus.2582American Academy of Allergy and Asthma and Immunology.Anaphylaxis.Ullah MW, Amray A, Qaseem A, Siddiqui T, Naeem T.Anaphylactic reaction to cyanocobalamin: A case report. 2018;10(5):e2582. Published 2018 May 5. doi:10.7759/cureus.2582American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: contact dermatitis signs and symptoms.Adler BL, DeLeo VA.Allergic contact dermatitis. JAMA Dermatol. 2021;157(3):364. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.5639Langan RC, Goodbred AJ.Vitamin B12 deficiency: recognition and management.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(6):384-389.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin B12.Lidén C, Andersson N, Julander A, Matura M.Cobalt allergy: suitable test concentration, and concomitant reactivity to nickel and chromium.Contact Derm. 2016;74(6):360-7. doi:10.1111/cod.12568Additional ReadingAmerican Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.Contact dermatitis: a practice parameter[published correction appears in Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2006 Dec;97(6):819. Beltrani, Vincent S [removed]; Bernstein, I Leonard [removed]; Cohen, David E [removed]; Fonacier, Luz [removed]].Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2006;97(3 Suppl 2):S1-S38.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Alinaghi F, Bennike NH, Egeberg A, Thyssen JP, Johansen JD.Prevalence of contact allergy in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Contact Derm. 2019;80(2):77-85. doi:10.1111/cod.13119Wajih Ullah M, Amray A, Qaseem A, et al.Anaphylactic Reaction to Cyanocobalamin: A Case Report. Cureus. 2018 May 5;10(5):e2582. doi: 10.7759/cureus.2582American Academy of Allergy and Asthma and Immunology.Anaphylaxis.Ullah MW, Amray A, Qaseem A, Siddiqui T, Naeem T.Anaphylactic reaction to cyanocobalamin: A case report. 2018;10(5):e2582. Published 2018 May 5. doi:10.7759/cureus.2582American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: contact dermatitis signs and symptoms.Adler BL, DeLeo VA.Allergic contact dermatitis. JAMA Dermatol. 2021;157(3):364. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.5639Langan RC, Goodbred AJ.Vitamin B12 deficiency: recognition and management.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(6):384-389.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin B12.Lidén C, Andersson N, Julander A, Matura M.Cobalt allergy: suitable test concentration, and concomitant reactivity to nickel and chromium.Contact Derm. 2016;74(6):360-7. doi:10.1111/cod.12568Additional ReadingAmerican Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.Contact dermatitis: a practice parameter[published correction appears in Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2006 Dec;97(6):819. Beltrani, Vincent S [removed]; Bernstein, I Leonard [removed]; Cohen, David E [removed]; Fonacier, Luz [removed]].Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2006;97(3 Suppl 2):S1-S38.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Alinaghi F, Bennike NH, Egeberg A, Thyssen JP, Johansen JD.Prevalence of contact allergy in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Contact Derm. 2019;80(2):77-85. doi:10.1111/cod.13119Wajih Ullah M, Amray A, Qaseem A, et al.Anaphylactic Reaction to Cyanocobalamin: A Case Report. Cureus. 2018 May 5;10(5):e2582. doi: 10.7759/cureus.2582American Academy of Allergy and Asthma and Immunology.Anaphylaxis.Ullah MW, Amray A, Qaseem A, Siddiqui T, Naeem T.Anaphylactic reaction to cyanocobalamin: A case report. 2018;10(5):e2582. Published 2018 May 5. doi:10.7759/cureus.2582American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: contact dermatitis signs and symptoms.Adler BL, DeLeo VA.Allergic contact dermatitis. JAMA Dermatol. 2021;157(3):364. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.5639Langan RC, Goodbred AJ.Vitamin B12 deficiency: recognition and management.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(6):384-389.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin B12.Lidén C, Andersson N, Julander A, Matura M.Cobalt allergy: suitable test concentration, and concomitant reactivity to nickel and chromium.Contact Derm. 2016;74(6):360-7. doi:10.1111/cod.12568
Alinaghi F, Bennike NH, Egeberg A, Thyssen JP, Johansen JD.Prevalence of contact allergy in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Contact Derm. 2019;80(2):77-85. doi:10.1111/cod.13119
Wajih Ullah M, Amray A, Qaseem A, et al.Anaphylactic Reaction to Cyanocobalamin: A Case Report. Cureus. 2018 May 5;10(5):e2582. doi: 10.7759/cureus.2582
American Academy of Allergy and Asthma and Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
Ullah MW, Amray A, Qaseem A, Siddiqui T, Naeem T.Anaphylactic reaction to cyanocobalamin: A case report. 2018;10(5):e2582. Published 2018 May 5. doi:10.7759/cureus.2582
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: contact dermatitis signs and symptoms.
Adler BL, DeLeo VA.Allergic contact dermatitis. JAMA Dermatol. 2021;157(3):364. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.5639
Langan RC, Goodbred AJ.Vitamin B12 deficiency: recognition and management.Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(6):384-389.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin B12.
Lidén C, Andersson N, Julander A, Matura M.Cobalt allergy: suitable test concentration, and concomitant reactivity to nickel and chromium.Contact Derm. 2016;74(6):360-7. doi:10.1111/cod.12568
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.Contact dermatitis: a practice parameter[published correction appears in Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2006 Dec;97(6):819. Beltrani, Vincent S [removed]; Bernstein, I Leonard [removed]; Cohen, David E [removed]; Fonacier, Luz [removed]].Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2006;97(3 Suppl 2):S1-S38.
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