Jewelry metal allergy: symptoms and how to deal with it without drugs

Definition

What is a metal allergy?

Metal allergies are one of the most common causes of allergies to the skin. These allergy sufferers usually develop symptoms of dermatitis (eczema) in areas of the skin that are exposed to metal and contain nickel.

Allergy to nickel is often associated with jewelry. However, nickel can also be found in your everyday items, such as coins, cellphones, to eyeglass frames.

This allergic reaction may appear after repeated exposure or use for a long time. Medicines and special treatments can indeed relieve allergy symptoms.

However, you need to avoid skin contact with metal or nickel when an allergic reaction is visible.

Nickel allergy is often associated with earrings and other jewelry. Yet nickel can be found in many everyday items, such as coins, zippers, cell phones, and eyeglass frames.

How common is this condition?

Allergic reactions due to metals can happen to anyone, regardless of age and gender. Once signs appear, allergies can last for years to a lifetime.

This condition is generally more common in women. This may be because they use more jewelry, such as earrings or necklaces, than men.

The severity of this allergy also varies. Some people may develop mild symptoms soon after coming into contact with jewelry. However, not a few also experience allergic reactions after years of using items containing nickel.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms?

Allergic reactions usually begin within a few hours to several days after exposure to metals or nickel. Symptoms of this metal-induced skin allergy can last for two to four weeks.

In addition, the signs below usually only occur when the skin is in contact with metal. However, it is possible that allergic reactions can also appear elsewhere in your body.

Some of the signs and symptoms of an allergy to the skin due to metal or nickel include:

• rashes and bumps on the skin,
• itchy rash,
• reddish skin,
• dry skin to peeling, as well
• the skin is blistered up to drain pus.

If you experience one or more of the symptoms mentioned, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience a rash and itching on the skin and do not know the cause, consult a doctor. Your doctor may recommend that you undergo a number of allergy tests.

If you experience any of the following symptoms accompanied by itchy skin and rashes, immediately go to the hospital. The reason is, metal allergies, which are severe and not treated immediately, increase the risk of anaphylactic shock.

• Headache and feeling tired.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Pain in metal exposed areas.

Cause

What are the causes of metal allergies?

Until now, it is not certain what causes skin allergies due to metal jewelry. However, allergic reactions usually occur when the sufferer uses items containing nickel.

Nickel is a silvery white metal that can be found in nature. This type of metal is usually alloyed with other metals. For example, iron and nickel are used to make stainless steel.

You may find other nickel alloys in other items, such as:

• jewelry, especially silver and white gold earrings and necklaces,
• spectacles,
• coin,
• accessories, such as belts, buttons, and zippers,
• keys and other metal tools,
• batteries and engine parts, as well
• cell phone.

As with other types of allergies, a reaction to the skin develops when the body's immunity sees the metal as a dangerous substance.

When this happens, the immune system will react every time the skin comes in contact with nickel and produces an allergic response.

Risk factors

What factors increase my risk of getting a metal allergy?

An allergy to metal and nickel can happen to anyone. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of experiencing this skin reaction, including the following.

• Have piercings in the ears or other parts.
• Workers who are frequently exposed to metal.
• Workers who are often exposed to metals and sweat easily, such as household members.
• Have a family history of allergies to and nickel.
• History of allergic disease to other metals.

Keep in mind that having no risk factors doesn't mean you don't have the potential to develop these allergy symptoms. Therefore, you still need to be careful when using jewelry or the occasional exposure to metal or nickel.

Medicine and medication

How to treat metal allergy?

There is no cure for metal allergies. Medicines and treatments given by doctors aim to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of a severe allergic reaction.

Drugs

Here are some drug options and treatments that your doctor may recommend to relieve metal jewelry allergies.

• Corticosteroid creams, such as clobetasol and betamethasone dipropionate.
• Non-steroidal ointments, such as pimecrolimus and tacrolimus.
• Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
• Oral antihistamines, such as fexofenadine and cetirizine.

Don't forget to use the medicines your doctor prescribes according to the rules. In addition, pay attention to side effects and drug content to prevent drug interactions if you have certain diseases.

Phototherapy

In addition to medication, your doctor may also recommend phototherapy. Phototherapy is a treatment by exposing the skin to regulated amounts of artificial UV light.

Generally, this therapy is recommended for patients whose condition does not improve with the drugs given. This allergy treatment takes months for the results to appear.

How is this condition diagnosed?

At first, your doctor will check your skin condition and ask about your medical history, as well as metals and other substances that have touched your skin. If your doctor suspects you have a metal allergy, they may order an allergy skin test.

One of the allergy testing that is done is the skin patch test (skin patch test). The doctor will place several substances that can cause allergies, including nickel and other metals, on your back.

The patch will be left closed for two days and opened again to see how the skin reacts to the compound being applied.

Home remedies

What needs to be done at home to treat metal allergies?

Apart from getting medication and treatment from a doctor, you are also advised to change some habits to support treatment.

Here are some home remedies that can help relieve symptoms of metal allergy.

• Use calamine lotion to relieve itchy skin.
• Apply an emollient cream or lotion, such as petroleum jelly, to moisturize dry skin.
• Compress the dry skin with a cloth soaked in water.

How to prevent allergic reactions due to metal or nickel exposure?

If you have an allergy to metals, the best way to prevent skin allergies is to avoid items that contain nickel. This is certainly quite difficult considering metal and nickel are widely available in everyday items, such as jewelry.

To make it easier for you to avoid exposure and reduce symptoms, dermatologists suggest several things, namely as follows.

• Choose jewelry that is nickel-free, hypoallergenic, or pure gold and silver.
• Wear a bracelet or watch made of leather, cloth, or plastic.
• Replace clothing accessories, such as buckles, with plastic.
• Block metal with clear nail polish.
• Use protective covers on electronic devices, such as cell phones.
• Replace household items with silicone, titanium, or silicone materials.
• Avoid foods that contain nickel, such as soybeans, buckwheat, or shellfish.

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to find the right solution.