What is Gold Sensitivity?
Gold sensitivity refers to an abnormal immune system reaction to the gold metal. Individuals who are sensitive to gold may experience symptoms such as itching, redness, and skin inflammation after direct contact with the metal.
These types of sensitivities are usually caused by the chemical compounds present in gold, such as nickel and copper, which are used in the jewelry-making process.
The benefits of gold for the skin are well known. However, sensitivity to gold is one of the most common types of metal allergies, and it is more prevalent in some individuals. Not only gold jewelry but even household tools and items that may contain gold can trigger allergic reactions. This condition can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, and it is essential to take appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures to treat it.
Symptoms of Gold Sensitivity:
Symptoms of gold sensitivity typically appear after contact with gold and include signs such as:
- Itching and burning of the skin
- Redness and inflammation
- Dry and flaky skin
- Hives and skin rashes
- Swelling in areas of contact
These symptoms may appear quickly after contact with gold or gradually worsen over time. In some cases, individuals may notice that the symptoms intensify with continuous use of gold and decrease when it is not being worn.
Causes of Gold Sensitivity:
Gold sensitivity is usually caused by the presence of certain chemicals used in the production of gold jewelry. One of these substances is nickel. Nickel is a common allergen and is often used in gold alloys. Therefore, individuals with a sensitivity to nickel may also develop a sensitivity to gold.
In addition to nickel, other compounds like copper and cobalt may also be used in gold jewelry production, which can trigger allergic reactions in some people. For this reason, it is important to have a clear understanding of the components of gold before making a purchase.
How to Diagnose Gold Sensitivity?
Gold sensitivity is typically diagnosed by observing symptoms and examining the condition of the skin. If you experience symptoms like itching and redness after using gold jewelry, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.
Dermatologists may perform allergy tests to identify the specific allergen and recommend appropriate treatment. These tests usually include a patch test, where chemicals are placed on the skin to observe any allergic reactions.
Symptoms and Signs of Sensitivity:
By now, you have learned what gold sensitivity is and the factors that cause it. But another question arises: what are the symptoms and signs of gold sensitivity? Below are some common symptoms and signs of gold allergy and sensitivity:
Redness of the skin
Blisters
Fluid discharge from blisters (in rare and severe cases)
Severe itching
Burning sensation
Inflammation and swelling
Skin lumps
Dry skin
Calluses
Skin spots and darkening
Cracking of the skin
These are key symptoms of gold sensitivity that are common in all individuals. If you experience such skin reactions, even mildly, after wearing gold jewelry, it means that you are sensitive to the metal or its compounds. It is recommended that you stop using them or change the type and material of your jewelry.
How to Determine if We Are Sensitive to Gold or Other Metals:
Generally, identifying the specific metal triggering allergic reactions in a person is commonly done through skin diagnostic methods (Patch test). In this method, an allergist carefully applies a small area of the patient’s skin to the suspected triggering metal and monitors the skin for any allergic reactions after a set amount of time.
Diagnosing gold allergy from other allergies is difficult, so its symptoms may be mistaken for eczema or another type of skin inflammation. If you are allergic to gold, you are likely to experience a distinct reaction every time you come into contact with gold.
Home Remedies for Gold Sensitivity:
As mentioned, gold sensitivity means that after wearing gold jewelry, the individual experiences skin reactions, including itching, burning, inflammation, and other symptoms. However, there are various solutions to treat this condition.
In the following, we will explain immediate and home treatments that can be recommended to those affected.
Cold Compress:
Applying a cold compress can provide immediate relief from skin inflammation. To do this, it is best to apply the cold compress for 10 to 20 minutes on the area of the skin affected by the sensitivity. This can significantly help prevent further inflammation and swelling, and stop the progression and increase of your sensitivity to gold.
Moisturizing Cream:
Using moisturizing creams can also be very effective in treating and reducing the symptoms of gold sensitivity. As mentioned, one of the signs of gold sensitivity is dry skin and the formation of calluses.
To prevent this, it is recommended to use moisturizing creams on the affected area. As you know, moisturizing creams penetrate deep into the skin layers and can nourish your skin cells, helping to stop the symptoms of sensitivity.
Not Using Gold Jewelry:
Now that you have realized your sensitivity to gold, it is best to avoid using gold jewelry and accessories for a while. You can try other types of jewelry, such as silver. However, it is advisable to test them as well to ensure that you do not have any sensitivity to them.
Medical Treatment:
Along with home remedies that provide immediate results, the use of medications and medical services is recommended, especially in severe cases. If your reaction to gold is severe, it is better to consult a doctor after removing the gold from your skin.
Severe gold sensitivity symptoms may include the formation of very intense blisters, leakage and discharge from the blisters, severe swelling, and more. These symptoms are undoubtedly very painful and uncomfortable. Therefore, it is best to visit a doctor as soon as possible. In such cases, doctors often prescribe topical ointments that have a very rapid effect and quickly reduce inflammation.
Which is more allergenic: White Gold or Yellow Gold?
Is White Gold More Allergenic Than Yellow Gold?
White gold is more allergenic than yellow gold because white gold is actually yellow gold that has been coated with a layer of rhodium. The yellow gold underneath may have a lower purity, resulting in higher nickel content, which can lead to redness and itching.
Tips for People with Gold Sensitivity:
In rare cases, even when purchasing nickel-free or high-purity gold, you may still experience sensitivity.
If you’ve resized your ring, the jeweler may have used a metal containing nickel in the resizing process. As a result, the ring may cause sensitivity after the repair.
Jewelry Testing for Allergy Sensitivity:
You can test your jewelry for nickel content. There are nickel test kits that consist of two bottles containing clear liquids. One bottle contains dimethylglyoxime, and the other contains ammonium hydroxide.
When these two liquids combine in the presence of nickel, they create a pink color. Drop one drop of each liquid onto the metal in question. Then, rub a cotton ball on the metal and observe the color of the cotton. If it remains colorless, the metal does not contain nickel. If the cotton turns pink, the metal being tested contains nickel, which can cause dermatitis upon contact with the skin. These chemicals will not damage your jewelry.
Ways to Prevent Gold Allergy:
There are several ways to prevent gold allergies. Here are some preventive measures for gold allergy:
1. Buy high-purity gold:
High-purity gold (such as 18K or 24K gold) typically contains less nickel and has a lower chance of causing sensitivity. Therefore, if you are sensitive to nickel, it is better to choose higher-purity gold. To learn more about gold purity, you can read the article What is Gold Purity?
2. Nickel-Free Gold:
If you are sensitive to nickel, you can choose gold that is specifically made without nickel. These gold pieces are usually labeled as “nickel-free gold” or “hypoallergenic gold.”
3. Use Jewelry Made from Other Metals:
Instead of gold, you can opt for jewelry made from other metals such as silver (silver rings), palladium, stainless steel, etc. These metals typically do not contain nickel, which makes them less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Final words:
In this article, we have tried to thoroughly and comprehensively discuss the topic of “gold allergy” and introduced all the important points so that you can enjoy wearing your beautiful gold jewelry without any concerns, experiencing only joy and well-being. We also mentioned “ways to prevent and avoid skin sensitivity caused by gold” to keep you, gold and jewelry lovers, free from any allergies and ensure you have a unique shining experience.
This article was designed and written by Zarin Jewelry Gallery (zarinjewel.com). All products in this gallery are handmade, and all designs and models are the result of the creativity of the gallery’s design team. Therefore, uniqueness is one of the main features of Zarin Jewelry Gallery.
