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Allergy to silver
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Silver is a very beautiful decoration. It is exquisitely suited to any dress, evening dress or evening dress. And if there is an allergy to silver, then this noble metal does not always fall under suspicion. Since it's hard to imagine that a small, beautiful decoration, led to such a reaction.
Whether there is an allergy on silver?
Many representatives of the fair sex, often wonder: "And if there is an allergy to silver?" Around this topic have long been a variety of opinions, some argue that - perhaps others that do not. The question arises from the fact that when wearing this metal there may be an unpleasant sensation, a rash or redness.
Unfortunately, the modern world has been built so much that an allergic reaction can cause anything. And silver is no exception. But complaints about the rejection of silver jewelry by the skin appeared not so long ago. In this regard, many came to the conclusion that today the products are not of such quality as they were before. And the addition of other alloys, can indeed cause an allergic reaction of the body.
Causes of allergy to silver
What are the main causes of allergy to silver. As a rule, nickel is added to the alloy of silver (this is silver metal, which is very suitable for forging). Many scientists came to the hypothesis that the cause is genetic origin. The immune system subconsciously starts to struggle with a suspicious substance. This can be compared with the response to viruses or bacteria. When the body shows a rash in the form of a rash.
Moreover, an allergy to silver can occur at any age, if a long time to wear this metal. If you have a long and prolonged contact with the skin, the allergy may appear at any time.
Symptoms of allergy to silver
One of the most common areas of allergy to silver, are the ears, hands, abdomen and wrists. Although allergies can occur in any part of the body where there was contact with this metal.
Symptoms of allergy to silver, usually occur within 24-36 hours, after interaction with the allergen. In the beginning, before it causes a rash, itching or burning sensation may occur.
If the metal exposure was prolonged, it often leads to the precipitation of small watery blisters. Sometimes, they are not even visible with the naked eye. But to the touch, the skin becomes damp and sticky, and then begins to peel off.
One of the most severe stages is considered to be a permanent rash, similar to severe ulcers, which is accompanied by deep wrinkles, cracks or flaking. As soon as the skin becomes wet, this is the first sign that an illness can form in this area.
Symptoms of allergy to silver can occur even where there is no contact with the metal. This is because the allergy can resume in the place where it was earlier. Although, for example, at the moment, contact with silver goes to another area of the skin.
Diagnosis of allergy to silver
Diagnosis of allergy to silver, usually carried out as follows:
First of all it is required to take a referral to a dermatologist. After consultation with a patient with an allergic reaction to silver, they take an "application test". It is that the patient is placed a patch on the back with the most common substances that cause allergies. After 2 days the plaster is removed.
And after the tests - the results of the sample are signed. If the allergic reaction is really caused by nickel, then on the contact spot with the test metal, a red-spot eczema spot is formed.
Treatment of allergy to silver
Treatment of allergy to silver is reduced to the fact that in the first place it is necessary to stop contact with this metal. If you immediately stop wearing silver jewelry, then the symptoms will be for 1 week, and even for a few days.
When the stage of an allergy is ulcerative inflammation, then, after preventing contact with silver, the symptoms will take about 10-14 days.
According to statistics, only 10-20% of people who are allergic to silver eventually develop eczema. If there is no infection on the skin, the healing period is about 10 days.
Also, in the treatment of contact allergies to silver, antiallergic ointments and antiseptic drugs are used. The affected area of the skin is treated daily by this remedy. The period of treatment is prescribed by a dermatologist.
A new method of treating allergy to silver is dosed immunotherapy with histamine. Thanks to this treatment, the body develops "indifference" to metals.
Preventing allergy to silver
What is the prevention of allergy to silver?
There are several rules, adhering to which, you can avoid repeated manifestations of an allergic reaction.
Firstly, if it's hard for you to completely abandon jewelry from silver - then from time to time take breaks in wearing. This will allow the body to "relax" from this metal.
Secondly, if you have ever had a negative reaction to silver - do not oversaturate your skin with silver products.
Thirdly, at night, be sure to remove jewelry. This especially applies to earrings, bracelets and chains. And lovers of piercing should remember that the skin around the navel is very gentle, long wearing of a silver product adversely affects this area.
The main thing is, choose quality jewelry, and then the risk of allergy to silver will be significantly less.