How To Treat Jewelry Allergy?

Costume jewelry is made of different materials, such as pewter, for example. And while they can be flashy, beautiful and affordable, not everyone can use them often because they suffer from what is known as contact dermatitis. Are you allergic to jewelry?

Like zippers, coins, eyeglasses, jewelry can also contain a large amount of nickel, which is a substance that can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Mayo Clinic experts point out that ” nickel allergy is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy rash that appears when the skin touches a generally harmless substance.”

Do you have a nickel allergy?

If you suffer from an allergy to this metal, it is because you have been using an object that contains it for a long time and had direct contact with the skin, such as jewelry, for example.

Sometimes it happens when we put on a ring, a pair of earrings or a bracelet and other times a second element, such as detergent, comes into the picture.

The symptoms of nickel allergy are:

• Itch
• granules
• crusts
• Eruption
• bubbles
• Redness
• Skin color changes.

Initial symptoms develop between 6 and 24 hours after wearing the jewelry. Once an allergic reaction occurs, it can last for a few days or even weeks.

Allergies of this type appear in both men and women, although the latter suffer more from wearing different costume jewelry continuously. One of the secrets is to stop using them as soon as they trigger dermatitis.

Metals that can cause allergies

There are several metals that can cause skin allergies. Nickel is the most dangerous as it is made of an alloy or combination of various materials.

In addition, it is present in a good number of articles in addition to costume jewelry:

• Belt buckle.
• Kitchen utensils.
• Knobs.
• Household cleaning products.

For the allergy to occur, the metal must enter the skin. This occurs with prolonged exposure or contact. The immune system prepares to react whenever nickel comes into contact with the body. To warn us about this, it produces these usual symptoms or signs.

The rash develops where the jewelry was placed and around. This means:

• Around the neck, if it’s a chain or necklace.
• Appear on the finger if it’s because of a ring.
• On the wrist, if it’s a bracelet.
• Appear in the navel, if it’s because of a belt or piercing.
• In the earlobe, if it’s due to an earring.

How to avoid jewelry allergy?

If you are allergic to this type of material, you can prevent the development of symptoms with a few tips:

Use another type of jewelry

Without the need to resort to gold or silver, which are expensive, you can opt for surgical steel, for example. Even white gold can contain a lot of nickel. Copper, platinum and titanium also have it among their components.

Paint the object with base for nails

It not only serves to prevent allergy, but also to ensure that the jewelry doesn’t lose its color. Paint it with a nail base you have at home and let it dry for 24 hours.

If you are one of those people who just put the piece on to start scratching, then maybe you should apply several layers of the product.  Keep in mind that enamel also has certain compounds that can make the situation worse.

wrap with plastic

You can also buy the object directly with this coating. This way, it won’t come in contact with your skin. In the case of a ring, for example, you can put this wrap yourself without it being obvious.

How to relieve jewelry allergy

If you’re allergic to nickel and jewelry, you probably have very sensitive skin. You may experience symptoms when coming into contact with various materials or products, such as:

• Detergents.
• Some plants.
• Newsprint.
• Perfumes or lotions.
• Scented soaps.
• Items with chrome.
• Cosmetics (enamel, makeup).
• Latex (gloves, balloons, baby bottles, tires).
• Paraphenylenediamine (in dyes, henna tattoos, textile industry).

Oats, a natural remedy

Treats irritation, rashes and itchiness caused by contact dermatitis. If the allergy has occurred in a large area of ​​the body, you can lie in the bathtub and pour a cup of oat flakes into the water.

If in a specific location, make a paste with oats and water and apply.

Costume jewelry allergy: conclusion

• It is important to consult your dermatologist before applying any natural remedy to avoid adverse reactions.

• Natural remedies should never replace the treatment prescribed by the doctor.