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Silver allergy
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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[ Is there an allergy to silver?
Many representatives of the fair sex often ask the question: "Is there an allergy to silver?" There have long been various opinions around this topic, some argue that it is possible, others that it is not. The question arises because when wearing this metal, an unpleasant sensation, rash or redness may occur.
Unfortunately, the modern world is built in such a way that anything can cause an allergic reaction. And silver is no exception. But complaints about skin rejection of silver jewelry appeared not so long ago. In this regard, many have come to the conclusion that today's products are not of the same quality as they used to be. And the addition of other alloys can really cause an allergic reaction of the body.
Causes of Silver Allergy
What are the main causes of silver allergy? As a rule, nickel is added to the silver alloy (it is a silver metal that is very easy to forge). Many scientists have come to the hypothesis that the cause is genetic. The immune system subconsciously begins to fight the suspicious substance. This can be compared to a reaction to viruses or bacteria. When the body protests in the form of a rash.
Moreover, an allergy to silver can occur at any age if you wear this metal for a long time. With large and prolonged contact with the skin, an allergy can appear at any time.
Symptoms of Silver Allergy
Some of the most common areas where silver allergies occur are the ears, hands, stomach, and wrists. However, allergies can occur in any part of the body where there has been contact with the metal.
Symptoms of silver allergy usually appear within 24-36 hours of exposure to the allergen. Itching or burning may occur initially before it causes a rash.
If the metal has been exposed for a long time, it often results in the appearance of small watery blisters. Sometimes, they are not even visible to the naked eye. But to the touch, the skin becomes damp and sticky, and then begins to peel.
One of the most severe stages is considered to be a constant rash, similar to severe ulcers, which is accompanied by deep wrinkles, cracks or peeling. As soon as the skin becomes moist - this is the first sign that the disease may develop in this area.
Symptoms of silver allergy can also appear where there was no contact with the metal. This is explained by the fact that the allergy can recur in the place where it was before. Although, for example, at the moment the contact with silver is on another area of the skin.
Diagnosis of silver allergy
Diagnosis of silver allergy is usually carried out as follows:
First of all, you need to get a referral to a dermatologist. After consultation, a patient with an allergic reaction to silver is given an "application test". It consists of applying a patch to the patient's back with the most common substances that cause allergies. After 2 days, the patch is removed.
And after the analysis is done, the test results are written down. If the allergic reaction is really caused by nickel, then a red eczema spot will form on the contact area with the test metal.
Silver Allergy Treatment
Treatment of silver allergy comes down to the fact that first of all it is necessary to stop contact with this metal. If you immediately stop wearing silver jewelry, the symptoms will go away in 1 week, or even in a few days.
When the allergy stage is ulcerative inflammation, then after avoiding contact with silver, the symptoms will go away in about 10-14 days.
Statistically, 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, when treating contact allergy to silver, antiallergic ointments and antiseptic drugs are used. The affected area of the skin is treated with this product daily. The treatment period is prescribed by a dermatologist.
A new method of treating silver allergy is dosed histamine immunotherapy. Thanks to this treatment, the body develops "indifference" to metals.
Prevention of silver allergy
What is the prevention of silver allergy?
There are several rules that, if followed, can help avoid repeated allergic reactions.
Firstly, if it is difficult for you to completely give up silver jewelry, then take breaks from wearing it from time to time. This will allow the body to “rest” from this metal.
Secondly, if you have ever had a negative reaction to silver, do not overexpose your skin to silver products.
Thirdly, be sure to remove jewelry at night. This especially applies to earrings, bracelets and chains. And piercing lovers should remember that the skin around the navel is very delicate, and wearing a silver item for a long time has a negative effect on this area.
The main thing is to choose high-quality jewelry, and then the risk of developing an allergy to silver will be significantly lower.