Why are some peoples skin so reactive to certain metals, and so they can only wear gold or surgical steel?

Answer 1

Metals including Gold, Silver, and even Surgical Steel, are "alloys", that is to say, a mixture of metals. Allergic reactions occur due to an electrochemical reaction that happens between dissimilar metals in the presence of moisture (even sweat). This electrochemical reaction seeps into the skin and surrounding tissue.


Most metals contain traceable quantities of Nickel; which account for the nickel related allergic reaction. Niobium( Nb), and Titanium(Ti) for example are elemental elements- meaning that they do not contain any nickel contaminants. Surgeons are now using pure elements like oxygen for implant surgery instead of surgical Steel, as the body does not reject them.


Even gold may contain nickel, silver, zinc, and copper, so beware if you are allergic to these metals. Surgical steel may also contain traceable amts of nickel.

You might find the below interesting and valuable info:

My skin turned Green from wearing Jewelry...

Have you ever worn a piece of jewelry and your skin (at the point of contact with a piece of jewelry) turned green or black? This problem is one concern every jeweler has been asked at least one time another.

Is it an allergy?

Most staining of the skin is NOT caused by an allergy to the metal. In the majority of cases, it's caused by a reaction between our skin and the metals used in jewelry. We all perspire and in the majority of cases of "skin staining jewelry" it is the area where we perspire that the reaction can occur.

Copper - the main cause?

In many cases, if the piece of jewelry you own contains a high content of copper, your skin may react and you will discover that the skin is turning green or black. In many cases, some people actually are prone to "skin staining" due to their own chemistry.

Nickel Allergies..

If you are allergic to Nickel then your skin may actually become red and itchy at the point of contact where you wear your jewelry. If you wear ring, your finger will become red and itchy. If you're wearing necklace, you'll notice a red ring on your neck and your neck will become itchy.

Your favorite piece of jewelry is now causing a reaction..

Okay, this happens as if your favorite piece of jewelry was purchased a year ago and never bothered you and all of sudden you've noticed an irritation on your skin, then it's possible that the piece was plated in sterling silver or gold however, over time, the plating has worn off and now your skin is exposed to the base metal (which may be Nickel).

Some tips to help you stay away from the "black" or "green" look..

Switch to 10, 14 or 18 Karat gold, a more pure metal.
Platinum is expensive, but very rarely reacts with our skin.
Ask your jeweler if the piece can be coated with a clear protective film along edges that come into contact with your skin.
Urban myth but, true! Coat the jewelry with clear nail polish where it touches your skin.
Choose stainless steel jewelry when possible.
Titanium is another metal choice, for its non-staining qualities.
Jewelry labeled hypo-allergenic. It's formulated for people with sensitivities to metals.
Keep your skin dry when wearing jewelry.
Keep your jewelry clean. If the piece begins to tarnish, clean it immediately

Answer 2

Surgical steel

Answer 3

TO MUCH ASIDE IN YOU BODY