JEWELRY ALLERGIES
Jewelry allergy is a common cause of dermatitis. Most jewelry allergy is caused by the metal nickel which is used in the manufacture of precious metal alloys. In less
expensive jewelry, nickel is often used in the base metal which is then
plated with gold or silver. Many people who believe that they are
allergic to gold or silver jewelry are actually allergic to nickel,
which can occur as a trace element in gold or silver or has been used in
the manufacture of gold jewelry to whiten and/or strengthen the piece.DERMATITIS is a delayed skin reaction due to the nickel content of cheap metals....
In affected individuals, dermatitis (eczema) develops in places where nickel-containing metal is touching the skin. The most common sites of jewelry allergy are the earlobes (from earrings), the fingers (from rings), and around the neck (from necklaces); the affected areas become intensely itchy and may become red and blistered (acute dermatitis) or dry, thickened and pigmented (chronic dermatitis). Sometimes the dermatitis later affects areas that are not in contact with jewelry, particularly the hands. Pompholyx is a blistering type of hand dermatitis that is prevalent in people with a previous history of jewelry allergy, and may be due to contact with other sources of nickel such as coins and keys.
In affected individuals, dermatitis (eczema) develops in places where nickel-containing metal is touching the skin. The most common sites of jewelry allergy are the earlobes (from earrings), the fingers (from rings), and around the neck (from necklaces); the affected areas become intensely itchy and may become red and blistered (acute dermatitis) or dry, thickened and pigmented (chronic dermatitis). Sometimes the dermatitis later affects areas that are not in contact with jewelry, particularly the hands. Pompholyx is a blistering type of hand dermatitis that is prevalent in people with a previous history of jewelry allergy, and may be due to contact with other sources of nickel such as coins and keys.
Other reasons to react to jewelry
- Irritant contact dermatitis may be provoked by friction, surface particles and dirt on the metal, soap and/or water under the item or other non-metal components of the jewelry. Irritant reactions are more common in people that suffer from sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis..
- Psoriasis and vitiligo can koebnerise, i.e. arise at a site or injury; they could arise at the site of a tight watch strap, necklace or bangle for example......
- A piercing site may be infected with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, resulting in oozing and crusting (impetigo or wound infection).....
How to avoid jewelry allergy
If you have a jewelry allergy, a dermatologist can perform a simple skin patch test to determine if you have a nickel allergy. Once your nickel allergy is confirmed, it is essential to avoid contact with nickel-containing metals. The following tips may help when purchasing jewelry.
- Alternative white gold alloys are available based on palladium, silver and other white metals, but the palladium alloys are more expensive than those using nickel. High-karat white gold alloys are far more resistant to corrosion than are either pure silver or sterling silver.
- When having ears or other body parts pierced, have it done with a stainless steel needle and make sure your jewelry is made of stainless steel or either 18- or 24 karat gold.
- Look for jewelry that is hypoallergenic, i.e. made of stainless steel, at least 18-karat gold, sterling silver, or polycarbonate plastic.
- If you must wear earrings that contain nickel, add plastic covers made specifically for earring studs.
- If your wedding ring or other item of jewelry that you wear daily causes a reaction, you can ask a jeweler about having it plated in a non-allergic metal, such as rhodium or platinum. However, the coating will eventually wear off and need re-painting.....
many people swear by the trick of painting clear nail varnish over parts of the jewellery that will have contact with the skin
