Many people manifest gold allergy symptoms when they wear gold ornaments. Gold allergy usually occurs due to the nickel component present in gold jewelry. At times even people can get allergy due to gold itself.
Gold allergy is cell mediated type 4 allergy, where the T cells cause an immune response to gold giving rise to inflammation at the site where gold comes in contact with the body.
In recent times cheap and fancy jewelry having one carat or white gold which has major portion of nickel is responsible for allergic symptoms. Nickel is added in gold to make it tough.
Gold Allergy Symptoms
- Frequently you find gold allergy rash around the neck, on the finger or on the wrist of a person wearing gold ornaments.
- The rash is itchy.
- The skin becomes red and may have small blisters, which turn watery and fluid oozes out of the skin.
- At times the skin cracks with mild bleeding. The skin becomes thick and results in eczematous eruption.
- Urticaria is rare; they can be in the local area or spread all over the body.
Gold Allergy Treatment
- Remove the offending gold or white gold ornament.
- Do not scratch the area as bacterial infection can set in.
- Consult a dermatologist; he will prescribe corticosteroid ointments to reduce inflammation. He may also prescribe antibiotics if there is bacterial infection.
- Wearing gold ornaments of 18 carats and above is usually safe.
- Rhodium polished white gold; rhodium is a metal that usually does not react with the skin.
- Apply aloe vera gel; it soothes the burning and itching skin.