Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis

If you have sensitivity or are allergic to your jewelry, you may notice a variety of symptoms. Skin might get itchy, dry and irritated and appear red, flakey or scaly. Worse, you might even develop a rash, blisters or sores. Reactions like these are called allergic contact dermatitis.

In less severe cases, your skin might become mildly irritated or slightly discolored from the jewelry. It’s not uncommon for skin to turn blue, green or black, though skin discoloration isn’t an allergic reaction.

How it’s diagnosed

A dermatologist can diagnose allergic contact dermatitis with a patch test. This is how it works: The dermatologist places several strips that have different types of allergens on your back. These strips might contain nickel or copper, which are actually the most common metals to trigger allergic reactions. After a few days, the doctor removes the strips to see if you’ve developed an allergic reaction.

Why jewelry irritates

Jewelry can cause skin problems for many different reasons, including the metals found in the jewelry, tarnishing, perspiration, product build-up and medication.

• Irritating metals. Most jewelry contains metals to strengthen it. For instance, gold and silver are soft metals, so nickel and copper are added to make the jewelry stronger and more durable. But added metals are often the culprits behind allergic reactions and skin irritation.
• Tarnishing. Jewelry — especially sterling silver — will tarnish because of a reaction with environmental hydrogen sulfide gas. As a result, the jewelry becomes discolored (usually black). Not surprisingly, when you wear the discolored piece, your skin becomes discolored, too.
• Perspiration. Salt found in sweat interacts with the metal found in jewelry, which can cause a reaction between the jewelry and the skin — triggering an allergic reaction. In fact, when a person isn't perspiring (so, the sweat-and-metal interaction doesn't exist), he or she can wear that same jewelry without having an allergic reaction.
• Product build-up. On a daily basis, we use all kinds of soaps, lotions, shampoos, cleansers and detergents that leave behind residue on our skin. For example, when you wash your hands, small levels of soap can remain on the skin or get stuck under your rings. Remaining residue can interact with the metal in your rings, producing an allergic reaction on your skin.
• Medications.
Finally, antibiotics and other types of medication can cause a reaction that discolors your skin if you wear jewelry.

How to avoid and manage irritation

You don't need to banish those treasured pieces of jewelry to the bottom of your jewelry box just yet. Here’s how to prevent and cope with any skin problems.

• Limit the amount of time you wear jewelry.

  By not wearing your pieces all the time, you minimize the frequency of adverse skin reactions.

• Try topical treatments.

  Over-the-counter topical treatments, including hydrocortisone cream, can relieve itchiness and inflammation. For a stronger prescription treatment, consult your dermatologist. For dry, irritated skin, moisturizing lotions are a good option. La Roche Posay Toleriane Body Lotion is an ideal lightweight, fragrance- and preservative-free product for anyone with skin allergies and sensitivities.

• Pick up some powder.

  Powder will absorb moisture and perspiration, reducing the chances for skin irritation or allergic reactions. Dust a small amount of powder on skin before putting on your jewelry.

• Use clear polish.

  Clear nail polish provides a protective barrier and prevents the metals in your jewelry from irritating the skin. Apply a coat of clear polish on the parts of your jewelry that will come in contact with your skin.

• Let skin breathe.

  Don't fasten your jewelry too tightly if it has adjustable clasps, like a necklace or wrist watch. Fasten your jewelry in a way that allows breathing room for your skin. If rings are too tight, have them resized by a jeweler. Resizing allows air to reach your skin, thereby preventing irritation or allergy.

• Avoid cheap metals.

  If you wear gold jewelry, consider buying a higher karat. For example, if 10 karat gold irritates your skin, try 14 or 18 karat gold. Gold jewelry with a lower karat value contains greater amounts of other metals, like nickel or copper, which can irritate skin. Conversely, a higher karat contains smaller amounts of other metals and has a higher percentage of gold, making it less likely to cause irritation.

  Also, you can opt for platinum or palladium jewelry, both of which are stronger and harder than gold, so they have less nickel. Plus, platinum and palladium are usually well-tolerated by skin. However, be prepared to pay the price, because these metals are costly.

• Check the label.

  When buying jewelry, look for pieces that are nickel-free or hypoallergenic. Jewelry made from other metals like surgical stainless steel or titanium is a good option for people with skin sensitivities and allergies.

• Keep it clean.

  Make sure your jewelry is clean. Dirt, bacteria, oil or tarnish that builds up on your jewelry can affect your skin. To clean your jewelry, use warm water, gentle soap and a toothbrush. Rinse and pat dry with a soft, clean cloth. You also can purchase special jewelry cleaner.

• Keep your skin clean, too.

  Dirt, oil and other impurities on your skin can cause irritation or allergy when you wear jewelry. Look for a gentle body wash that cleanses and hydrates your skin. Use ATOPALM Body Wash, a soothing cleanser ideal for sensitive and dry skin.

With these simple tips, you can look great wearing your favorite jewelry, and keep your skin looking and feeling great, too!

See also:

Budget Beauty: Where to Spend Your Money

Facial Cleansing for Fabulous Skin

An Inside Look at Beauty Product Allergies

Contact Dermatitis: When Your Accessories Rub You the Wrong Way

Caring for Sensitive Skin