Nickel
Allergy / Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Many people know that some metals can produce
reactions on a person’s skin, including rashes and even
blistering. This fact sheet will endeavour to explain why this occurs,
and provide other resources and updates.
Nickel is without doubt the primary reason people experience skin
reactions when wearing jewellery. The following quotes are
excerpts from the Queensland Department of Health’s
fact sheet on nickel in jewellery:
“The most common adverse health effect associated with
wearing jewellery that contains nickel is a type of skin irritation
called allergic contact dermatitis. A person can develop an allergy to
nickel following repeated contact with nickel found in jewellery. Sweat
from the skin acts as a corrosive to metals, which allows nickel in
jewellery to be in direct contact with the skin.
Once a person is sensitised to nickel, any further contact with nickel
will cause an allergic reaction. Nickel sensitivity is usually
persistent for life.
Allergic contact dermatitis produces a red, irritating and itchy rash
that may persist for several days. In severe cases blisters may form.
This rash will develop about two days after exposure.”
So reactions can be quite severe, and can also develop over time. Just
because you don’t have a reaction now, doesn’t mean
you won’t in the future. The article continues to explain
where nickel is found, and how you can prevent these reactions
occurring, or even prevent the gradual onset of allergic contact
dermatitis:
“You are most likely to come into contact with nickel by
wearing nickel-containing jewellery such as earrings, body rings or
studs, watches, rings and bracelets. Nickel is also used in the
manufacture of clothing (eg. Belt buckles, clasps, zippers, jeans
buttons) and clothing accessories (eg. Handbags).
Nickel may also be present in white and yellow gold jewellery in
varying proportions. Nickel is added to gold jewellery as a hardener
and therefore may be found in ‘finer’ jewellery,
including wedding rings. Dermatitis may occur years later as the
exterior wears away exposing the nickel.
Jewelry that is silver, solid gold of more than 14 carat, or labelled
‘hypoallergenic’ should be safe in most cases.
However, high quality stainless steel and titanium
are the better nickel-safe options for jewellery.”
All of our products are manufactured from commercial grade titanium,
and are 100% hypoallergenic. They are suitable for those with allergic
contact dermatitis, and for those who wish to prevent it.
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Allhart Australian Enterprises Pty Ltd. ABN 28 494 063 960.
