Jewelry allergy is one of the most common disorders that many people have; therefore, it is very important what you should know about it. The most obvious skin reaction when this type of alteration occurs is reddening of the skin, pimples or rash; but sweat could aggravate that state; since it contributes to accentuate the eruption.
Most of all, allergies can develop in people, due to certain types of minerals such as nickel, a silvery white metal, which is mixed with other materials to produce combinations. It is frequently used in the production of stainless steel, and in other compositions applied in jewelry that not everyone can use, if they have delicate skin.
Usually, people notice allergy by wearing earrings, rings and necklaces with nickel mixture; In addition, this component is in small quantity in 14 karat and 18 karat gold, but it is so mixed that it does not affect the most allergic person. Although gold is considered safe and inert due to its physical characteristics; It is known that there are certain chemical forms in which this mineral has the ability to sensitize, causing dermatosis, as in the case of gold salts, used by jewelers and goldsmiths in various jewels.
Most women are more likely to be allergic to jewelry. something that occurs in 12% more than men, who are only affected in 6%. Dr. Pilar Iriarte, a member of the Skin Allergy Committee of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, says that «it is more common in women than men, due to the early use of earrings and jewelry by the female sex.»
There is nothing that can cure the allergy caused by the metal of your jewelry, the symptoms can include rashes, redness, swelling and pain; however, your doctor may prescribe some medications to reduce the irritation and improve the condition. Also, as an alternative, you can use those jewelry containing platinum, titanium, 18-karat gold, or sterling silver, says the allergist.
Currently in costume jewelry and jewelry fusions of gold, silver, tin, zinc, copper, aluminum, magnesium are being used; and nickel is used in small proportions, to avoid allergies; although there are people with sensitive skin to many jewels, such as those that contain copper. That is why today many jewelry companies have garments treated with a hypoallergenic method, which cause fewer allergic reactions in people.
You have probably experienced an allergy to some piece of jewelry; Perhaps it has happened to you with costume jewelry that contains more nickel than authentic jewelry, or perhaps it has happened to you with fine jewelry; In any case, it is necessary to take precautions and use only those with minerals that have minimal alloys.