DEAR DR. GOTT: I read your article about hives. The writer said her problem began after having bilateral knee replacements. I’m just wondering if the hives could be caused by an allergic reaction to any of the materials used in her knee replacements. Before my knee replacement, I was asked if I had any known allergies to metals, nickel in particular. I wish the writer the best and hope she has found the source of the problem.

DEAR READER: I am sure that the writer was also asked about any known allergies; however, perhaps the problem lies in something that she did not know. Nickel allergy is most commonly associated with jewelry, particularly inexpensive gold-plated pieces. If the reader doesn’t wear any or wears only high-quality jewelry, she may not have known. Allergies can also develop suddenly to substances that were previously handled without a problem.
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