Jewelry and Skin Rashes: What You Need to Know
Skin rashes are among the most common reasons people seek medical attention, and jewelry is often an overlooked trigger. Many people have multiple body piercings and can be exposed to metals such as nickel, cadmium, chromium, copper, and cobalt. One of the most common causes of rashes from jewelry is a nickel allergy. Nickel is often mixed with other metals to create alloys used in jewelry. When it comes in contact with the skin, it can trigger an allergic reaction, known as allergic contact dermatitis, resulting in a red, itchy rash, blisters, or even swelling. Some people might be allergic to other metals used in jewelry, such as cobalt or chromium, though this is less common than nickel allergy. The rash is most often in the area of...
