December 26th, 2009 by Steve Willis

One out of every seven individuals will have an allergic reaction to nickel. The result of this can be intense itching, cracking of the skin, rash and unsightly weeping blisters. Unfortunately, the most common source of this allergy - also referred to as allergic contact dermatitis - is in gold plated jewellery. Gold plated chains, in particular, can be a nuisance as the evidence of dermatitis is in the most conspicuous of places, framing your face and hard to camoflauge.

Plating gold is an affordable way to give a consumer the look of gold at a reduced cost. However, one in seven people will start to develop a nasty rash once the thin painted layer begins to wear away with repeated shifting and rubbing against the skin. Unless you prefer to wear your chains over a turtleneck on a daily basis, you will eventually see a scaly and sometimes weeping rash running a circle around your neck.

Some people advocate buying 12 karat gold or higher to prevent such problems, but sometimes budgetary restraints limit us. Others suggest coating your gold plated items in clear nail polish but that is not always a great idea either. Nail polish will flake off easily and it also contains toxic chemicals like phthalates, toluene and formaldehyde which are not the best things to be in contact with.

Here are three things to keep in mind.

1. Test your new jewellery.

Sometimes it’s hard to know whether an item is plated or not, and it’s especially difficult to ask if the jewellery in question has been given as a gift. Rather then putting yourself through trial and error, invest in a chemical solution (now readily available on the market) which can be swabbed onto the metal. It will form a visible reaction and let you know if there is nickel in the metal.

2. Guarding.

Some people resort to nail polish as a protective coating, but this is not always the best idea. As anyone who has had or seen a manicure before, nail polish can easily flake and chip in a matter of days. It also contains toxic chemicals including phthalates and formaldehyde. There are coatings specifically formulated for jewellery protection that can be obtained readily. They will wear longer and are free of any hazardous ingredients.

3. Moisturize.

In a pinch, the best alternative option is to put a barrier directly on your skin. Before wearing your chain, rub in a moisturizer or cream around your neck and collar bone. Petroleum jelly can be a good alternative for this as well. By forming a barrier on your skin, you’ll prevent direct content from the jewellery, at least for the day’s worth of wear.

Learn about your Gold Plated Chains, at a site with a lot of information about Gold Plated Jewellery