Last Updated on July 12, 2022 by Ellen Christian
I love wearing jewelry because it’s a fun way to accessorize an outfit. You can easily dress up an outfit by adding a fun necklace or a few cute bracelets. Summer is the perfect time to show off those new necklaces and bracelets since we’re all showing off a bit more skin with the warmer weather. One of the challenges that I face is that I am allergic to nickel. Many types of jewelry (even the more expensive kind) can use nickel as a base. I have to deal with skin irritation caused by jewelry far more often than I like.
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Skin Irritation Caused by Jewelry
Nickel is one of the most common skin allergies because it is used in everything from cell phones to jewelry to eyeglass frames. You generally see symptoms between 6 and 24 hours after you come in contact. Symptoms generally include itching, redness, rash, dry patches, and swelling. Sometimes this is followed by blisters. The blisters may break and leave behind crusts and scales. I have a very severe nickel allergy and after about 6 hours I see itching, redness, rash, blisters, crusting and scales. No fun at all.
I limit the amount of time I wear jewelry to about 2 hours at a time to avoid the worst of the symptoms. Avoiding jewelry with nickel in it is often the best way to prevent an allergic reaction. It’s not always easy to determine which jewelry has nickel in it. Even things like watches where the band is leather or plastic will often have a metal buckle and the back of the watch face is almost always metal. Costume jewelry that is polycarbonate often has a metal clasp. Often choosing bracelets that are very loose can minimize contact.
To deal with skin irritation caused by jewelry, remove the item as soon as you notice an irritation. Carefully wash the area with mild soapy water and pat dry. Apply a hydrocortison anti-itch creme like Maximum Strength Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing Formula. It deals with rashes, redness, inflammation and irritation. The Maximum Strength Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing Formula calms, nourishes and hydrates your skin and contains antioxidants and chamomile. It temporarily relieves the itching and allows the rash to heal.
Now I don’t need to worry if I end up having skin irritation cause by jewelry I didn’t know had nickel in it. I just use Maximum Strength Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing Formula for relief. The 7 moisturizers and 3 skin-nurturing vitamins help the rash heal quickly. It’s also helpful for eczema, bug bites and sunburn.
Do you suffer from skin irritation caused by jewelry containing nickel?
Ellen believes you can feel beautiful at any age and size. She shares healthy beauty and fashion information geared toward women over 40. She is a direct sales rep for several fashion and beauty businesses.
I never would have thought to use that for skin irritation with jewelry. That is good to know!
It’s a real issue for many people with nickel allergies. It does work well!
I love this stuff and received a small sample that I use for bug bites. My skin can get sensitive so I’ll remember to use it for that too. I don’t wear as much jewelry as I used to but some pieces are bound to irritate my skin.
It really does work for a number of skin irritations.
My daughter’s skin get irritated like that. I have to be really careful.
It’s definitely a challenge, Debi!
Ugh. Story of my life. I am EXTREMELY allergic to nickel. I can’t even eat foods high in nickel or my skin breaks out in “nickel eczema” . I love jewelry so I buy platinum when I can and the rest… I just try not to wear it for long periods of time. I go through a lot of Cortizone though for unavoidable contact like those darn rivets in jeans!! … and belt buckles that come higher than my pants… and a million other things. :/
I am very lucky that I don’t have to deal with foods but yes, those horrible rivets in jeans are the worst!
Yes I am very allergic to nickel , even the slightest contact results in a severe reaction.
That is the way I react generally too, Darla.
I stopped wearing almost all jewelry due to skin irritation. Good idea on using Cortizone 10 to relieve the itchiness and redness. Thanks for sharing!
Glad to share, Deb!
My daughter is very sensitive to nickel as well. We keep cortizone cream on hand just in case she has a problem.
Definitely good to have on hand!
this happens to my daughter sometimes. I always have this in the medicine chest
It’s a good thing to have on hand just in case.
I didn’t realize that it could be the nickel in my jewelry that could cause that awful itch and rash. Sometimes it happens and sometimes not. Glad to know that this will help. I usually always have it on hand.
It really works well for me, Robin!
I use this all the time, love it! My fingers & ears are super sensitive, so I coatthe backs with finger nail polish, clear of course, it works! I repeat the process after a few times of wearing them, I have done this for years.