Allergic to Gold (nickel?) in Jewelry?!
Question: I have a ring that is 14k gold, and I've worn for the past 5 years it never bothered me. Lately it has been turning my finger/ area around it all red and itchy skin peels off its gross... I had it cleaned, and remove it whenever I cook, or wash dishes. Am I allergic to the gold (nickel/other metal) in the jewlery? If so why would it happen suddenly?
Answers: I have a ring that is 14k gold, and I've worn for the past 5 years it never bothered me. Lately it has been turning my finger/ area around it all red and itchy skin peels off its gross... I had it cleaned, and remove it whenever I cook, or wash dishes. Am I allergic to the gold (nickel/other metal) in the jewlery? If so why would it happen suddenly?
You could be allergic to nickel or chromium which is in 10K and some 14K gold, but not 18K gold. Both alloys are also in white gold. They are also in surgical stainless steel but are so tightly bound that most people are okay with it. But if you are concerned, switch to titanium which is very hypoallergenic. Platinum is another option. Next time you are a dermatologist, get a skin patch test for nickel and chromium. Reactions to these alloys can happen after wearing them for years with no problems.
(worked in a foundry)
Allergies do that. You need either a higher grade of gold, or switch to Platinum. Or don't wear a ring.
2 options -don't wear the jewelry or try painting it with clear nail polish. oops! option #3 -switch to titanium.
"Your skin normally doesn't react the first time it's exposed to an allergen. Instead, it can take many exposures for your skin to become sensitive to nickel. Once a nickel allergy has been established, your skin will always be sensitive to nickel. Your skin may then become inflamed, itchy or dotted with bumps or blisters within hours or days after contact with nickel. Sweating while wearing an item containing nickel can increase your chance of dermatitis." Mayo Clinic
Based on this, it is not surprising that you could have a reaction to something you have not previously. You may want to take a look at Mayo Clinic's page on Nickel allergies, as it also has photographs of what a reaction might look like and suggestions as to when to seek medical attention. Of course, consult with your medical provider for accurate diagnosis.
I used to work for a wholesale Jewellers and didnt realise that the 9ct 14ct ect
means 14percent of gold and the rest is a base metal. So the gold percentage is tiny.Try coating your Jewellery with clear nail polish where it touches the skin.