Jewelry accents an outfit and makes you stand out from the crowd. Adding jewelry on can make it seem like you’re wearing a brand-new set of clothes even if you’ve had them for many years.
But what do you do if you’re having problems wearing your favorite pieces because you’ve got a metal allergy? Do you give up and go without your favorite accessories?
Allergies to jewelry are more common than people realize. Learn more about what you can do to keep wearing the pieces you love and discover how hypoallergenic earrings can put an end to all your problems.
Know What Causes Allergies with Jewelry
When people describe themselves as having allergies to jewelry, it doesn’t mean every type on the market. Usually, nickel is the culprit.
That’s because out of various metals, nickel has the greatest chance of irritating the skin. Because nickel is found on everything from zippers to eyeglasses, it’s easy to get exposed to it.
If your skin comes into contact with it frequently, you’ll have a high chance of getting a nickel allergy. Symptoms of your allergy getting affected include:
- Pus
- Rashes
- Itchy feeling
- Dry patches
The first thing to do is seek treatment. Then, see what you can do to take care of your allergy so you don’t run into the same problem again.
While the thought of changing up your jewelry sounds devastating to some, getting rid of nickel items stops your skin from blistering and developing irritation.
Get a Test for Metal Allergies
You can always have your doctor test you for allergies to determine if you need hypoallergenic jewelry. Some people shy away because of the cost or time involved.
The easiest way to find out if you have problems related to nickel allergies is to get a ring made of sterling silver. Don’t invest too much money, since this is simply a test piece.
It’s crucial that you wear the ring for a few days and check the level of irritation on your finger. If you’re exhibiting the symptoms associated with allergies to jewelry, it’s safe to assume you have allergic reactions.
When doing this test, it’s important to use a ring and not a necklace or other piece of jewelry. That’s because the skin on your neck is normally sensitive anyway.
If you don’t have an allergic reaction, it can still become irritated depending on the type of necklace. Using the ring method helps you get the most accurate reading when determining if you have an allergy to nickel.
Select Jewelry That Doesn’t Irritate Such as Hypoallergenic Earrings
Once you’ve figured out that you have a nickel allergy, the best thing to do is select all new earrings with hypoallergic metals. Go through your items and either get rid of them or give them to someone who doesn’t have issues with the metal.
Now it’s time to go on a shopping spree and find new earrings and jewelry pieces that speak to you and go with the rest of your wardrobe.
Some materials you can consider without a second thought include:
- Leather
- Metallic
- Rubber
- Cloth
- Plastic
Think about pieces you’re replacing and what would come close to taking their spot. Not all materials are created equal, but when you choose items that either look similar enough to your old piece or function in the same manner, you’ll enjoy wearing them the same way without any irritation.
If you’re seeking jewelry that is similar to what you’ve gotten rid of but made with hypoallergenic materials, consider shopping around at various stores, both online and in person. Learn more about the various affordable and hypoallergenic pieces.
Seek Quality Over Quantity
When in doubt over what type of jewelry to buy, quality over quantity is always the best way to view your situation. That’s because you can find beautiful pieces made of gold and platinum that look incredible, give you years of wear, and go with just about anything.
Although many people object to the price tag, you’ll have an easier time when you purchase quality jewelry that’s durable and hypoallergenic. You can wear one or two pieces for daily wear and still look as good as though you had several cheaper items on.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on jewelry, consider investing in classic pieces that never go out of style. You’ll find them easy enough to wear with multiple different outfits and even get the chance to pass them on to future generations.
By focusing on high-quality pieces that don’t have nickel present, you won’t worry about irritating your skin and feel confident your items remain in style, no matter what the occasion calls for.
Discover More
Dealing with a nickel allergy is frustrating when you need to get rid of all your favorite pieces. You feel as though your options get limited, and you can’t wear the type of jewelry you like anymore.
But investing in jewelry that doesn’t cause irritation doesn’t need to seem dull. You can find beautiful hypoallergenic earrings made of gold and platinum that dress up any outfit and translate between fancy occasions and daily wear.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can select jewelry made of different textiles, such as cloth or leather, and give your outfits a boho look. Regardless of what you choose after getting new pieces, you can create a look that feels comfortable and goes with your current wardrobe.
If you’re wondering how you can add jewelry into your outfits more often, we’re here to help. Find out how to incorporate jewelry into your wardrobe and see what fun and exciting styles you can come up with.
