Sensitivity to Jewelry Got You Down?
Do your earrings make your ears itch or swell? Do your bracelets leave a ring of itchy skin when you take them off? If you have these types of reactions when wearing your jewelry, you most likely have an allergy or sensitivity to the metal used in your jewelry pieces.
So, what to do? How can you wear beautiful jewelry and not suffer from rashes, itchiness, red marks, swelling, or blisters? First, know what metals are most likely to cause a reaction.
- Nickel is the most common culprit as it is often mixed with other metals to create an alloy. Nickel is commonly found in earring posts, costume jewelry and cheap jewelry.
- Brass, an alloy of zinc and copper, is another culprit. It often also contains nickel.
- Cobalt or Chromium are often found in costume jewelry.
So what can you do to still wear jewelry and not suffer?
- There are alternatives to these metals that are safer for sensitive skin. These hypoallergenic metals include sterling silver, 14-karat gold or higher, stainless steel, titanium and platinum.
- Stay away from costume jewelry as it is often made with nickel or other metals known to cause allergies.
- Avoid plated jewelry with a nickel base.
- When receiving piercings, have a stainless steel needle used and make sure your jewelry is made from a hypoallergenic metal – including the post.
- If you have a favorite piece made from nickel, have your favorite jeweler plate it with another metal. Platinum is a great option as it is naturally hypoallergenic.
Stop by Bridgewaters for more information and help finding jewelry that won’t cause allergies.