You may never have realized it, or perhaps you wore it without experiencing any obvious symptoms. When wearing jewelry—whether it's a necklace, bracelet, ring, or earrings—and you develop a rash, redness or swelling, itching, or, in the most serious cases, a burning sensation, remove it immediately! You could, in fact, be having an allergic reaction to nickel or another substance present in the jewelry.
The cause of jewelry allergies
Due to the natural corrosion that jewelry undergoes, the metals release metal ions which, when they come into contact with our body, can cause a hypersensitivity, or even a Allergic reaction. Indeed, our immune cells will mistake these ions for microbes or bacteria, and will therefore attack them.
Metals that can cause allergies
Nickel is undoubtedly public enemy number one for people who have allergic reactions to jewelry. Indeed, it's one of the most toxic metals used in jewelry making. It's also worth noting that cadmium and lead also contain nickel. These metals are toxic, even carcinogenic, when swallowed or put in the mouth, which children often do. Copper and its alloys can also cause allergic reactions. When some people say they are allergic to silver jewelry, it's actually a copper allergy.
Plated metals
Even if the metals are gold-plated or plated, this does not prevent allergic reactions. Indeed, the plating layer is generally not not thick enough to prevent corrosion which is responsible for the release of problematic ions, and therefore allergies to jewelry.
Hypoallergenic and non-allergenic metals
Platinum, palladium, gold, and titanium are considered to be naturally non-allergenic.
Stainless steel and surgical steel
Indeed, stainless steel contains 10% chromium, a metal that is not very susceptible to corrosion, which prevents the steel from oxidizing. Chromium is also among the metals that can cause allergic reactions. Furthermore, it is not uncommon to find nickel in certain stainless steel alloys.
Most people believe that stainless steel does not cause allergies at all. In reality, the term hypoallergenic means that the alloy's composition minimizes the risk of allergies.
We must therefore remain cautious with this term, since in no way does it guarantee that the person will not have an allergy or that the alloy does not contain nickel.
Surgical steel is a type of stainless steel suitable for manufacturing medical implants and surgical instruments. However, this alloy also contains Varying amounts of chromium and nickel. That's why, again, some people are bound to develop allergies.
