However, even though some people wear gold and silver and shine brightly, others may develop redness at the contact points: an allergy. Why is this?
What is jewelry allergy?
If someone has an allergy as soon as they wear gold or silver, it may not necessarily be due to sensitivity to these materials; it could be the result of the surface plating.
Nickel, a widely produced white metal, is inexpensive and has good luster and corrosion resistance. Since the 1950s, it has been commonly used for plating. Jewelry made with nickel plating looks vibrant and closely resembles the color of platinum. However, the downside is that nickel is a major cause of metal allergies.
Many people develop redness, bumps, and significant itching at the contact points after wearing nickel-plated jewelry. In severe cases, allergic reactions can escalate to systemic skin allergies.
Other items can also cause allergies
In addition to nickel-plated jewelry, nickel-plated watches, eyeglass frames, belt buckles, and nickel-containing dental prosthetics are also problematic. Among these, dental prosthetic allergies can be the most painful. Other items can be removed to prevent further contact, and symptoms usually resolve quickly or with antihistamines. However, if someone is allergic to dental prosthetics, the only solution is to remove them.
Identifying the cause of the allergy requires testing
The relationship between this condition and contact history is so close that most people believe the cause of their allergy is "contact with metal products." However, they often don’t realize that it’s the plating process that is to blame. It is only after undergoing allergy testing that they discover nickel is the culprit.
In reality, regardless of whether the inside contains real gold or silver, if the plating that contacts the skin contains nickel, those with allergic tendencies are likely to develop rashes.
Can metal allergies be cured?
Allergies, known as hypersensitivity reactions in medicine, are a complex topic. The numerous classifications, individual manifestations, and complex processes mean that it hasn’t been thoroughly researched yet. From clinical observations, adults rarely experience natural desensitization to allergens.
Statistical data can help identify common allergens to guide clinicians in diagnosis and treatment. When we seek medical help for skin allergies, doctors typically ask if we’ve consumed high-protein foods, been exposed to dust, paint, pet hair, cement, or nickel-plated jewelry. These are all common allergens. However, avoiding specific allergens must be personalized.
The best way to avoid allergies is to steer clear of allergens.
Can individuals with metal allergies wear jewelry?
To avoid allergic reactions, consider these three points:
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Choose inert metal products Generally, inert metals are stable and rarely cause allergies. For instance, the process of creating white gold involves adding nickel for color. Therefore, even jewelry sales staff often sincerely recommend that those prone to allergies select high-purity gold, pure silver, or 925 silver jewelry.
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Choose products with good plating processes The plating process for items that contact the skin is crucial for preventing allergies. If the plating and inner material do not contain nickel, people allergic to nickel can wear them safely.
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Choose products from reputable manufacturers Products from reputable manufacturers typically use coatings made from inert metals like rhodium or palladium, which are less likely to cause allergies but come at a higher cost than nickel plating. For large manufacturers, the higher cost helps maintain brand reputation, while small workshops may not guarantee the same quality.
As for online jewelry that costs only a few dollars, even if it claims to be "platinum" or "plated with platinum," the price is too low to reflect the true cost of materials, let alone quality plating. Therefore, it’s advisable to purchase jewelry from reputable manufacturers to reduce the likelihood of allergies.
