How To Treat An Allergy To Costume Jewelry
To alleviate allergies it is very important that we stop using the item in question and that we treat and hydrate the area with products that help calm dermatitis
Costume jewelry is made of different materials, such as pewter, for example. And while they can be eye-catching, pretty and accessible, not everyone can wear them often because then they suffer from what’s known as contact dermatitis.
Like zippers, coins, eyeglass frames, costume jewelry can also have a large amount of nickel, which is a substance that can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Mayo Clinic experts say that ” nickel allergy is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy rash that appears when the skin touches a generally harmless substance.”
Do you have a nickel allergy?
If you experience allergy to this metal it is because you have been using an object that contains it for a long time and has had direct contact with the skin, such as costume jewelry. Sometimes it happens when putting on a ring, a pair of earrings, or a bracelet and sometimes when a second element comes into play, such as a detergent.
The Madrid Nutrition Clinic warns us about the symptoms of nickel allergy are the following:
- Itching
- Grain
- Scabs
- Eruption
- Blisters
- Redness
- Changes in skin color
The initial symptoms develop between 6 and 24 hours after placing the jewel in question. Once the allergic reaction has occurred, it can last a few days or even weeks.
Allergies of this type occur in both men and women, although the latter suffer more from wearing different jewelry continuously. One of the keys is to stop wearing the jewelry once the dermatitis has been triggered.
Although there are several metals that can cause skin allergies, nickel is the most dangerous, since it is made up of an alloy or combination of several materials. It is also present in a good number of articles in addition to jewelry:
- Cranks
- Belt buckles
- Cookware
- Household cleaning products
For the allergy to occur, the metal must be introduced into the skin. This occurs with prolonged exposure or contact. The immune system prepares to react whenever nickel comes into contact with the body. To warn us of this, it produces these usual symptoms or signs.
The rash develops in and around the place where the ornaments have been placed. This means:
- Neck, if it is a chain
- Finger, if it is because of a ring
- Wrist, if it is a bracelet
- Belly button, if it is for a belt or piercing
- Ear lobe, if due to an earring
Tricks to avoid a costume jewelry allergy
You can prevent the appearance of symptoms if you are allergic to this metal with some tips.
Use another type of jewel
Without resorting to expensive gold or silver, you can opt for surgical steel, for example. Even white gold can contain a lot of nickel. Copper, platinum and titanium do not have it among their components either.
Cover with nail glitter
It not only serves to prevent allergies, but also so that the jewel does not lose its color. Paint with any nail polish you have and let it dry for 24 hours. If you are one of those who just start to feel itchy, then you may need to apply several layers.
Keep in mind that enamel also has certain compounds that can make the situation worse. And if necessary consult with the doctor.
Wrap with plastic
You can also buy it directly with that coating. This way the jewel will not come into contact with the skin. In the case that they are pending, for example, you can put that wrapping yourself without it being noticeable or unsightly.
How to relieve contact dermatitis?
If you are allergic to nickel and costume jewelry, you probably have a very sensitive dermis. You can experience the symptoms when coming into contact with various materials or products such as:
- Detergents
- Some plants
- Diary paper
- Perfumes or lotions
- Perfumed soaps
- Chrome items
- Cosmetics (nail polish, makeup)
- Latex (gloves, balloons, pacifiers, tires)
- Para-phenylenediamine (in dyes, henna tattoos, textile industry)
While the ideal would be to avoid all these products, it is true that it is not always possible to do so. In case they cause you discomfort, you can resort to a very simple natural remedy with oats (if your doctor authorizes it).
Oatmeal remedy
Some oatmeal preparations are suitable for treating irritation, rashes, and itching caused by contact dermatitis. If the allergy has occurred in a large area of the body, you can soak in the bathtub and add a cup of oatmeal flakes to the water. If it is in a specific place, form a paste with oats and water and apply to the affected area for a few minutes.
Keep in mind that it is important to consult with the dermatologist before applying any natural remedy to avoid unfavorable reactions. On the other hand, remember that natural remedies should never replace the treatment prescribed by the doctor. In any case, they could complement it.
