Nickel Allergy & Jewelry: What You Need to Know

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Nickel Allergy & Jewelry: What You Need to Know for Itch-Free Skin

Do you experience red, itchy skin or irritation right after putting on your favorite earrings? Chances are you have a nickel allergy .

At Aramat Jewels, we understand how frustrating this is. You want to shine, not scratch. That's why we'll explain exactly what a nickel allergy is and – more importantly – what it is. nickel-free jewelry are safe for your sensitive skin.

What exactly is a Nickel allergy?

Nickel allergy is the most common form of contact allergy (contact dermatitis) in the Netherlands. Nickel is a hard, silvery-white metal often used to make jewelry stronger and shinier. If you are allergic, your immune system sees this metal as an "enemy." As soon as your skin comes into contact with nickel, an inflammatory reaction occurs.

The symptoms of a nickel allergy are:

  • Severe itching and redness around the jewelry (e.g. earlobe, wrist or neck).

  • Rash, flakes or small blisters.

  • A burning sensation or swelling (especially in earrings ).

  • In severe cases: fluid from the wounds (wet eczema).

This reaction can occur within 12 to 48 hours. Unfortunately, a nickel allergy is permanent: once you have it, you can't get rid of it. The only solution is avoidance .

Which Jewelry Contains Nickel?

In this case, cheap often turns out to be expensive for your skin. Nickel is often hidden in jewelry because it's a cheap filler.

Be careful with:

  • Base metals: Many fashion jewelry items from fairground or budget stores.

  • White gold: Older white gold was often mixed with nickel to make it white (today often palladium).

  • Wearing layers: With silver- or gold-plated jewelry, the underlayer (often nickel-containing brass) becomes exposed when the top layer wears away.

Did you know? According to European REACH legislation, jewelry may only release a minimal amount of nickel. Yet, many people are so sensitive that they react even to this legally permitted amount.

Is Stainless Steel (SS) Safe?

This is a frequently asked question. Stainless steel technically does contain nickel (often 8-12%). However, in high-quality 316L surgical steel, this nickel is so firmly "trapped" in the alloy that it is barely released.

That is why surgical steel Safe for 90% of people with a nickel allergy. However, if you have an extremely severe allergy, don't take the risk and choose titanium.

The Safe Choice: Hypoallergenic Materials

Want 100% certainty and no itching? Then choose one of these materials from our collection:

1. Titanium (The Safest Choice)

Titanium is the king of hypoallergenic metals. It contains absolutely no nickel , is super light, and extremely strong. It's used in medical implants for good reason.

  • Perfect for: People with severe allergies and for getting new piercings.

  • View our collection: Titanium jewelry .

2. 925 Sterling Silver

Real silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper (no nickel). It's a precious metal that's kind to the skin and has a beautiful, soft sheen.

  • Maintenance: Silver can oxidize (turn black), but is easy to polish.

  • Shopping tip: Silver earrings .

3. Bioplast (For Piercings)

Bioplast is a flexible plastic. Because it's not a metal, it can never cause a nickel reaction. Ideal for pregnancy piercings or oral piercings, for example.

4. 14 Carat Gold

Pure gold is naturally hypoallergenic. Be sure to choose yellow gold or rose gold . As mentioned, white gold can sometimes contain nickel, unless it's specifically labeled nickel-free.

5 Tips for Calm Skin

  1. Choose wisely: Replace your 'bijou' earrings with steel stud earrings or titanium.

  2. Stay dry: Sweat and water can release metal ions (nickel) more quickly. Remove jewelry during exercise.

  3. Nail polish trick: Applying a coat of clear nail polish to the inside of a ring can help temporarily, but it's not a permanent solution.

  4. Testing: Do you have new jewelry? Wear it at home for an hour first. No itching? Then you can increase the wearing time.

  5. Be careful with piercings: A piercing wound is more sensitive than normal skin. Always use titanium or surgical steel .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a nickel allergy be cured? No, unfortunately not. Your immune system doesn't "forget" this sensitivity. Avoidance is the only remedy.

How do I know for sure if I'm allergic? Do you have a rash right where your watch, jeans button, or earrings are? Then it's almost certainly a nickel allergy. A dermatologist can confirm this with a patch test.

Can I wear earrings if I have an allergy? Absolutely! You don't have to go through life without jewelry. Choose 925 silver or titanium . At Aramat Jewels, we have a huge collection specially selected for skin-friendliness.

Disclaimer: This information is intended as a general guideline and does not replace medical advice. If you have any doubts or experience severe reactions, always consult a doctor or dermatologist.