When specific metals from your jewelry or body piercings come into touch with your skin, an allergic response typically results.
The most prominent sign of this response, also known as contact dermatitis, is a red, itchy rash that can be highly unpleasant even though it is neither infectious nor life-threatening.
To find out more about why this happens and how to treat it, continue scrolling!
Causes of a jewelry allergy:
Nickel is the most prevalent metal to which people can become allergic. Although the exact cause of this allergy is unknown, your immune system’s sensitivity to nickel may play a role in its development. Your immune system normally only defends against bacteria, viruses, and other harmful things, however, it shows that your immune system also reacts as if this metal is also harmful.
Before your body has a negative reaction to nickel, it may take several exposures, but once it does, your immune system will always react negatively anytime you are exposed to it.
What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?
A jewelry allergy typically begins 24 to 48 hours after being exposed to the item. These symptoms may last for as long as 2 to 4 weeks.
The symptoms that result may include:
- Itching
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Bumps
- Rashes
- Dry patches that resemble a burn
- Blisters and draining fluid
Treating an allergic reaction to jewelry:
Here are some steps you may take to help treat your skin after an allergic reaction:
- Remove the jewelry responsible for the allergy.
- Apply a steroid cream.
- Emollient creams such as calamine lotion, petroleum jelly, or mineral oil can help ease the itching.
- Avoid over-the-counter ointments like antibiotic creams, as these may contain ingredients such as neomycin which can worsen an allergic reaction.
- For patients whose allergies do not get better with topical or oral steroids, phototherapy is another treatment you can try.
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About the Author: Dr. Donika Vata is a medical doctor from Ferizaj, Kosovo. She studied general medicine from University of Hasan Prishtina.
She has been writing about medical and skincare related issue in journals, social media websites, and books. She was working for some well reputed clinics such as Telehealth Pro- Online consultations, German Cancer Center, and AppLMD. Dr. Donika was also volunteering in the Covid-19 pandemic.
Currently, she is working as a medical doctor and researcher in a dermatology clinic.
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