Category: Skin Problems

How to deal with Jewelry Allergy

Most women love wearing jewelry at parties and other social gathering. They love the attention they receive when people appreciate them for their jewelry. However, some women are unable to wear their favorite piece because they are allergic to it.

One of the main causes of jewelry is the presence of nickel in jewelry. Today, many men and women love body piercing which is causing a rise in nickel allergy. The allergic reaction to nickel may take instantly or after a few minutes. The allergic reaction will vary from person to person and can start at any age. Another common cause of allergy is the presence of latex in jewelry. Latex is usually prepared using solvents which can cause allergic reaction. Therefore it is important that you check the metals and solvents used by the manufacturer to make the jewelry that you plan to buy. If the jewelry you plan to buy contains latex or nickel, it is best that you avoid buying the piece.

The allergic reaction when the skin comes in contact with nickel or latex can cause inflammation of the skin. Other symptoms of allergic reaction can be itchy feeling and redness of the skin. The allergic reaction may also cause blisters which may break to form think crust and scales. At times, the skin on the affected area can become dark and leathery. Enough though the allergic reaction is usually at the site of contact but may be found in other places of the body as well.

You can confirm nickel allergy using skin patch test. When you visit a dermatologist, they will put a hypoallergenic tape on your upper back which you have to leave it as it is for 48 hours. After 48 hours when you visit the dermatologist, they will check for any allergic reaction due to certain allergens. If you suffer from nickel allergy, it will be reflected with hypersensitivity to nickel.

People who suffer from jewelry allergy usually have to bear it life-long. If you are suffering from an allergic reaction, your doctor will usually prescribe a corticosteroid cream which you have to apply on the affected area. At times, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if an infection develops in the affected area. Allergic reaction may cause itching in the affected area which a person must resist as it may lead to infection.

Here are a few steps that you can take to prevent jewelry allergy:

• Wearing 22K gold jewelry can reduce the risk of skin allergy. If you are wearing any other metal jewelry, it is best that you avoid wearing the jewelry until the skin heals completely.
• If you love wearing earrings, you can use earring sleeves to prevent your earrings from coming in contact with your skin.
• If you are sensitive to metal jewelry, you can wear jewelry made of gold, titanium or surgical steel.
• If you love wearing a particular jewelry piece, you can ask the jeweler to coat the piece with platinum.