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GeenaBeena asked:
It doesn’t itch or sting, it’s just bumpy and irritated. I’ve developed it around my neck I guess from wearing a 10K white gold necklace. I also have what appears to be the same thing on my earlobes from wearing 14K white gold earrings. I thought it might be the white gold or the low karat weight but I’ve noticed it also developing frequently under my 14K gold wedding band. Is this really a nickel allergy? I’m 23 years old and have been wearing gold since I was a baby, but have been having this reaction to gold only in the past 2 years and it just keeps getting worse. I know I can’t wear most fashion jewelry unless it’s nickel free, but gold too? Is this possible or is there any other explanation? Thanks.
Buy Platinum or 100 percent titanium and you will never have to worry. They are both very hypoallergenic.
10K and 14 K gold are mixed with alloys. 10K is 41.7% gold content and 14K is 52.5% gold content. The rest is alloy and can include nickel, copper, etc. You most likely have developed an allergic sensitvity reaction one of the alloys (most likely nickel). Believe me this happens all the time. You could wear gold all your life and the next morning you can break out from the same piece of jewelry. For your ring, I would suggest a clear protective coating for jewelry to provide a shield between metal and skin. You may be able to find this at a local jewelry store or maybe even walmart.
Jewelry gold is still an alloy mix of nickel, silver, copper and zinc, unless it’s 24 carat. 24 carat is a bit too soft for jewelry purposes. In the case of your 10K, only about 40% of the metal is actually gold. You have simply had an increase in your sensitivity, which has been occurring for some time until it’s reached the point where you will react to gold unless it is nearly 24 carat. I am allergic to nickel myself, and my wedding band is platinum for that reason. In the case of your earrings, you will need to have a surgical stainless steel post and back, and make sure that all surfaces of the earring front that touch skin are coated. Rings also need to be coated inside to seal off the metal. It can be done cheaply enough with clear nail polish, which has to be reapplied frequently- but at least the price is right and you can do it yourself. You will likely have to avoid the fashion jewelry except for limited amounts of time and then make sure it’s coated as I described, or seek out nickel free items like you have been doing. Sorry, it won’t get better if you keep pushing it either. I break out in blisters where ever it touches my skin, in a short amount of time, and it’s just too painful to think about the earrings. Sorry, but if this is what you see happening, you will just have to limit the gold jewelry to at least 22 carat and keep it coated.
No but it might be mixed with something you really are allergic to.
How the hell did you get so rich?
P.S. Go to your local jewelery seller and have them see if it really is mixed or pure.
Also it could be the way it rubs against your skin.
And it might be to (DAMNIT your rich) heavy around your ears
It might be gold plated nickel.