Gracie Pfaff's battle: Living with a severe aluminium allergy
Gracie Pfaff is a model and founder of a charitable organisation. The 22-year-old from the United States tries to lead an everyday life. However, her unusual condition means she has to be careful about what and how she eats. Gracie's skin cannot come into contact with most everyday objects.
At the age of 16, Gracie experienced firsthand what severe allergies and anaphylactic shock mean. Her body had been signalling an allergy earlier. However, symptoms like rashes or hay fever were not very troublesome.
The situation changed dramatically six years ago during a family holiday. Gracie suffered a life-threatening anaphylactic shock all because of... a packet of crisps.
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 - she recounted to reporters from the "Need To Know" portal.
A woman allergic to aluminium
After a series of visits to many specialists and comprehensive tests, it turned out that the woman was allergic to... aluminium. This element is almost everywhere. Gracie's shock occurred when her skin came into contact with the aluminium lining of a crisp packet. The 22-year-old has to be constantly on guard.
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 Pfaff said.
Her body reacts to any contact with the allergenic element. The woman has to check every food label for "hidden aluminium additives". Choosing daily cosmetics requires careful selection. Gracie also has to use water filters.
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 - the 22-year-old summarised her allergy.
Greater awareness of allergies
The woman does not stop taking antihistamines in case of an adverse reaction. She argues that greater awareness of allergies is needed, so she shares her daily life and struggles with allergies on social media.
