Do Skin/Gold Allergies Ever Come on Suddenly?

Posted by h8bigbiz @h8bigbiz, Jun 16 6:27pm

Apologies if this is in the wrong section, but I didn't see an Allergy Group; so here goes:

After 40+ years, I guess I've suddenly become allergic to my gold wedding ring (itching and redness of the skin underneath). Or they say it might be the nickel I'm actually allergic to. Whatever; why would I suddenly become allergic to whatever it is?

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Hey There! Because our bodies change over the years.

I use to could use Neosporin....now I'm allergic.
I use to could take Levaquin for upper respiratory infections....now I have horrible side effects.
I use to could drink milk....now I'm lactose intolerant.

I think you get the drift on this. Seems we all can get new allergies later in life.

I know you want to keep your original wedding band and I totally understand that. Is there anyway it could be coated with something that would prevent the gold or nickel from touching your skin? Some type of sealant that wouldn't ruin the ring? I would ask a Dermatologist what they would recommend to preserve this precious ring and then ask the jeweler if he has a coating he could put on it. Just a thought.

I wish you the best. I know how precious & personal & special our wedding bands are to us. Praying for you. Blessings & Hugs....

REPLY

Is the ring tighter and the skin is unable to dry out underneath? Just a thought.
Also, try rubbing the ring with alcohol inside, let dry then paint with a thin layer of clear fingernail polish. That should seal it temporarily to see if it’s the ring that’s bothering or something else. Have you possibly changed soaps?

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@loribmt

Is the ring tighter and the skin is unable to dry out underneath? Just a thought.
Also, try rubbing the ring with alcohol inside, let dry then paint with a thin layer of clear fingernail polish. That should seal it temporarily to see if it’s the ring that’s bothering or something else. Have you possibly changed soaps?

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I'm so glad you posted because it's finally dawned on me: I did recently start using an antibacterial soap so I bet that's it! Thanks again!

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Good idea to dry the hands thoroughly and use a mild hand soap for sensitive
skin. The nail polish idea can work. You are right to think it is more likely nickel instead of gold if it is an allergic reaction.
It would be fine to use OTC hydrocortisone cream 1% if it is just an irritant
condition. If you see a dermatologist they may have a kit to swab test the inside of the ring for nickel content. They also might do a patch test on you for
metal allergy and prescribe stronger steroid cream.
I couldn’t wear my ring due to frequent hand washing at work and a sweat
aggravated eczema.

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