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Hypoallergenic
Jewelry
Below are some suggestions for managing
nickel-caused sensitivities to silver. Of course,
such allergies are medical conditions and should be
diagnosed and treated by your physician. A
strategy for preventing future episodes should also be
developed with your physician.
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Switch to stainless steel jewelry.
Such jewelry is often sold as "hypoallergenic."
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Buy high quality silver jewelry, such
as fine jewelry, which is 99.9% silver, to minimize
the possibility of contact with nickel.
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For those old pieces you just can't
throw out, consider having them replated with a high
quality, nickel free out coat. This will
provide some protection from leaching nickel, at
least until the plating wears down.
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Pierced ears are a major cause of
contact dermatitis. Buy earrings that have
stainless steel ear posts. Another approach is
to use steel or plastic backs on your earrings,
which serve as a barrier between your skin and
nickel-containing parts.
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Don't wear your jewelry when you are
not out and about. When at home, take it off
to reduce exposure time.
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Some people report success with
pretreating their skin with a cortisone skin cream.
Cortisone can increase the skin's resistance to
metal. Of course, talk with your doctor first
about this strategy. For mild sensitivities, a
moisturizing cream may provide ample barrier
protection.
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Another barrier approach that has a
few fans is the application of clear nail polish to
those parts of the jewelry piece that comes in
contact with the skin.
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Damp skin and humid days can
exacerbate nickel allergies. Stay dry and go
without jewelry on hot, humid days.
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