Jewelery Allergy

A repelling or allergic reaction to nickel found in most jewelery is known as jewelery allergy. Nickel is present even in 24 carat gold jewelery and causes severe allergic reaction. Watch straps, jean studs, metal or ornamental buttons, lipstick holders, cigarette lighters and cases, keys, pens, razors cause reactions n body portions that are in direct contact with these items.

Domestic appliances with a metal finish such as toasters and cutlery and crockery may also cause jewelery or metal allergy. Coins are a very common cause of this allergic form as well.

The typical reactions on the skin include:

 Itching
 Redness
 Blisters
 Swelling

Jewelery allergy may not be caused immediately upon contact but after several days or months. The first indication is some itching coupled with some redness. Some people will realize immediately that they are getting an allergic reaction. He level of discomfort and irritation leaves no doubt about this allergy developing

Where people have not had any previous experience of jewelery allergy, they may ignore it especially if they have used the same thing before. To others it may be more subtle in developing with a bit of itching or redness which they do not recognize as an allergy. This is especially true if the person has had no previous problems with the piece or wearing jewelry in general.

Causes: Gold or silver in their pure form are soft and cannot be molded into jewelery. Therefore, Zinc, copper and nickel have to be added to make it harder and suitable for making jewelery. Zinc and copper are harmless as far as the human body is concerned. It is the nickel which induces allergic reactions.