You’ve just bought a beautiful new bracelet and put it on at the beginning of the day. Then, as the day goes on, your wrist starts to feel a little itchy. Another hour goes by, and you start to notice red bumps along the area where the bracelet has made contact with your skin. Clearly, your skin is trying to tell you something. This bracelet is irritating your skin.
Unfortunately, this scenario plays out for many people. They get a new piece of jewelry only to find out a while later that they are allergic to certain metals. But why does this happen, and what can you do about it?
Why are some people allergic to certain metals?
It can be perplexing and often frustrating when you start experiencing a reaction to jewelry and later find out that other people wearing the same metal seem to be unaffected. According to research, about 17% of women and 3% of men experience an allergic reaction specifically to nickel, which is common in jewelry.
The exact cause of metal allergies is unknown, but there are some associated risk factors. People who have repeated or prolonged contact with certain metals are more likely to eventually form an allergy to those metals. As seen in the statistics mentioned above, metal allergies are more common in women, particularly if they are overweight. There also seems to be a genetic factor in metal allergies, as those with family who have metal allergies are also at a higher risk of having a metal allergy.
If you are allergic to certain metals, your body is having an immune response to those metals. Your body identifies the metal particles as foreign invaders and launches an assault on these particles. The substances released in this immune response cause a red, bumpy rash called contact dermatitis, or allergic dermatitis. This is the same kind of rash caused by poison ivy.
Symptoms of a metal allergy
If you have a metal allergy, the main giveaway will be irritation or a rash where the metal was touching. This is often caused by jewelry, like a watch irritating your skin, but it may not always be as obvious. For example, you might have frequent contact with metals at work and notice a rash when you get home. Symptoms of a metal allergy are the same as those for contact dermatitis:
- Redness of the skin
- Itching
- Dry, cracked, or scaly skin
- Bumps and blisters, sometimes with oozing and crusting
- Swelling, burning, or tenderness
If someone with a metal allergy consumes nickel in food or is exposed through an implanted medical device, they can also experience flu-like symptoms, as well as swelling and blistering.
What to do when metals are irritating your skin
The most important step in treating an allergic reaction to metal is to avoid contact with the types of metal you are allergic to. Once you begin to experience symptoms, take off any jewelry near the rash. Then, you can take steps to treat the symptoms you are experiencing.
Self care
If the rash is not too severe, it can usually be treated at home. Soothing lotions and ointments, like calamine lotion or petroleum jelly, can help alleviate any itching and burning. You can also try over-the-counter rash creams. However, you should avoid antibiotic ointments because these can worsen symptoms.
Professional help
If your rash is severe, seems to be infected, or doesn’t go away within 2-4 weeks, you should see a board certified dermatologist. They will most likely prescribe a corticosteroid cream for your rash and may also prescribe an oral steroid or antihistamine medication. They can also check for infection and prescribe medications for that if needed. If your symptoms aren’t going away, a dermatologist can also do a patch test to determine if you have other allergies and check for other types of rashes.
There is some evidence that a metal allergy can be improved by phototherapy. Phototherapy is not a solution for an acute rash, but it might lessen your reaction to metals in the future. You can discuss the option with your dermatologist.
Which metals should you avoid if you have a metal allergy?
Ultimately, this will depend on which metals you are allergic to. You can be allergic to any metal, but the most common metal allergies are nickel, cobalt, and chromium compounds.
Common sources include:
- Jewelry, like rings, watches, earrings, and bracelets
- Clothing fasteners and metal buttons
- Laptops and tablets
- Coins
- Belt buckles
- Keys
- Tools
Do people with metal allergies have to avoid all jewelry?
No! If you have a metal allergy but love the look of jewelry, there are usually alternative options. Usually, it is cheaper costume jewelry that contains the most common allergens.
Instead, look for hypoallergenic jewelry made of nickel-free stainless steel, 18-karat gold (or higher), sterling silver, or other metals labeled “nickel-free”. You can also wear jewelry made with non-metal beads or pearls. Look for watch bands made from cloth, leather, or plastic.
You should also ensure your clothing contains zippers, clasps, or buttons made with hypoallergenic materials and use cases for cell phones, laptops, and tablets. If you work with metal tools, consider creating a barrier from your skin by wrapping in duct tape or silicone.
Get help from a board-certified dermatologist
If you notice skin irritation caused by a watch or other jewelry and you’re concerned about your rash, or you just want confirmation that you have a metal allergy and not something else, make an appointment with one of Forefront’s board-certified dermatologists. We can help you figure out the cause of irritation and get it treated.
We also understand that it can be difficult to take the time out of your busy day to come to our offices. This is why we also offer virtual appointments to talk to board-certified dermatologists. Either way, you’ll get the treatment you need.
(Photo credit: Pavel Danilyuk: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-wearing-bracelets-7406039/)
