Why You Suddenly Became Allergic to Sterling Silver & Other Metals
Ever worn sterling silver jewelry for years, only to wake up one day with red, itchy, or swollen ears? You’re not imagining it—metal allergies can develop over time, even if you’ve never had a reaction before.
Why Is This Happening?
- Accumulated Exposure – Your body may have tolerated certain metals for years, but repeated exposure can eventually trigger an allergic reaction. This is called sensitization, where your immune system starts seeing the metal as an irritant.
- Hormonal & Skin pH Changes – Factors like aging, pregnancy, menopause, or stress can alter your skin’s pH, making it more sensitive to metals it once tolerated.
- Environmental Factors – Exposure to sweat, skincare products, and even hard water can accelerate metal corrosion, causing tiny particles to irritate your skin.
What Can You Do?
- Switch to solid gold (10k, 14k, or higher) or platinum, as these metals are less likely to trigger reactions.
Coat sterling silver jewelry with a clear protective barrier (like jewelry sealants, or clear nail polish works too!) to reduce direct skin contact.Choose hypoallergenic options like titanium or niobium if reactions persist.