Metal Allergies
Metal Allergies
Metal allergies are very common they're right up there behind poison ivy as a culprit of contact dermatitis, so it's more common than you would
think. Nickel and cobalt are among the most common problem makers, and they are found in just about all of the metal beads and findings in jewelry.
Copper and brass beads and findings often contain a very high concentration of cobalt and nickel.
Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of other alloys, including copper and nickel.
Gold is probably the least allergenic of the metals beaders often use, but it also has some trace of copper or silver in it. The higher the
karat number, the less the amount of alloys, but if you're really allergic to metal, you might want to be wary of this one, too.
So what to do?
Some suggestions:Try painting three or more coats of clear nail polish on your metal findings and beads to keep the metal away from your skin. Do a test run
before you put too much effort into the project to make sure this will work. Also this needs to be reapplied regularly.
Gold can be worn by some with a mild allergy. But it should be 14K or higher.
Sergical Steel. The term "Surgical" steel does not mean anything. It can be a very low grade of steel which can/will contain reactive metals.
If you are considering steel for piercings it should be of "implant grade". The most common metal that meets implant grade standards is
316-lvm stainless steel. It must meet all requirements of ASTM-F138 to be considered implant grade.
Consider nonreactive metals:
Titanium is the safest metal available for sensitive skin, especially for anyone allergic to nickel or silver. It is used for surgical implants
and earrings are the same medical grade. Allergic reactions to titanium are almost unheard of.
These earrings are available in polished titanium, which looks like silver or platinum and also in anodised colours.
Anodising is an electrochemical process which causes the surface of the metal to change colour, there are no other materials added
and there is no plating or painting.
Other common reactive metals found in everyday products:
The top 10 culprits:
Nickel - A metal frequently encountered in jewelry and clasps or buttons on clothing.
Gold - A precious metal often found in jewelry.
Balsam - A fragrance used in perfumes and skin lotions, derived from tree resin.
Thimerosal - A mercury compound used in local antiseptics and in as a preservative in some vaccines and saline products for contacts.
Neomycin sulfate - A topical antibiotic common in first aid creams and ointments, also found occasionally in cosmetics, deodorant, soap, and pet food.
Fragrance mix - A group of the eight most common fragrance allergens found in foods, cosmetic products, insecticides, antiseptics, soaps, perfumes, and dental products.
Formaldehyde - A preservative with multiple uses. It's found in paper products, paints, medications, household cleaners, cosmetic products, and fabric finishes.
Cobalt - Metal found in medical products; hair dye; antiperspirant; objects plated in metal such as snaps, buttons or tools; and in cobalt blue pigment.
Bacitracin - A topical antibiotic.
Quaternium 15 - A preservative found in cosmetic products such as self-tanners, shampoo, nail polish, and sunscreen or in industrial products such as
polishes, paints, and waxes.
I am not a doctor and the above are only suggestions. If you have an allergic reaction to metal you should at the very least let your doctor know about it.
There are drugs you might also be allergic to. If it is a problem to your everyday life you may want to ask your doctor about seeing an Allergist.