6.5 Metal Sensitivities
Description
This article is from the Piercing FAQ, by Anne Greenblatt with numerous contributions by others.
6.5 Metal Sensitivities
The metals used for body jewelry are chosen for their
bio-compatibility, or "body friendly" quality. However, some metals
are more bio-compatible than others due to their specific
compositions, or alloys.
The metals to which people are most often sensitive are nickel,
copper, and chromium. Many metal sensitivities can be attributed
specifically to nickel sensitivity. 316L / 316LVM stainless steel is
comprised of several metals including nickel. However, the specific
composition of 316L / 316LVM allows for very little exposure to the
nickel molecules, thus reducing the risk of sensitivity.
Some people are sensitive to the metals present in karat gold, namely
nickel, silver, zinc and copper. White gold often causes more adverse
reactions than yellow gold because a high amount of nickel is used to
yield the white color. Many body jewelry manufacturers now use
nickel-free gold alloys. White gold alloyed with palladium, an inert
metal of the platinum group, instead of nickel is less likely to cause
a metal sensitivity. Some people who cannot wear steel alloys can
wear 18k white gold palladium alloys.
People who are sensitive to stainless steel and gold alloys can often
wear niobium or titanium without an adverse reaction.
Sensitivities to niobium are rare but not unheard of; in some cases
the "sensitivity" is actually an adverse reaction caused by the
quality of the finish and not by the metal itself.
Symptoms
A metal sensitivity is indicated by contact dermatitis which can range
in severity from mild itching and redness to swelling and a red rash
of fluid-filled bumps or flaking skin in the area of contact. In some
cases a metal sensitivity is acquired after prolonged exposure.
An extreme metal sensitivity often causes rapid rejection of the
jewelry which usually manifests immediately. The piercing will enlarge
or gape around the jewelry as the body tries to eject the
jewelry. Other symptoms may include increasing redness and
inflammation, itching, and a colorless discharge. The piercing may be
saved by switching to a more biocompatible metal. A sensitivity to
aftercare product(s) can exhibit similar symptoms. Please refer to
section 6.2.
A less extreme metal sensitivity can cause prolonged healing. Because
prolonged healing can be caused by other factors, consult an
experienced piercer to eliminate other causes. People who experience
prolonged healing while wearing steel or gold are often able to heal
their piercings after switching to titanium or niobium. Often, they
can resume wearing steel or gold after the piercing has completely
healed and toughened. Some people appear to only experience metal
sensitivity-related prolonged healing with piercings which usually
require several months to heal.
Some people who are extremely sensitive to metals have worn
monofilament nylon or teflon to heal their piercing. However, jewelry
made of monofilament is not appropriate for all piercings.
References:
Andres, Greg. "Will America Go Nickel-Free?" Accent Magazine, October
1994.
Numerous summaries of studies of metal sensitivity and ear piercing
jewelry are available on Health Gate http://www.healthgate.com/
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