Locations:
Search IconSearch
October 19, 2021/Health Conditions/Allergies

Allergic to Metals? 6 Surprising Places They May Lurk

Find out what to watch for and what to avoid

Hands showing many metal rings on the fingers.

If you have metal allergies, you might know that touching coins, jewelry and even doorknobs can trigger a reaction, known as allergic dermatitis. But it might surprise you to find out that metals may hide in other items you come in contact with every day. Which metals are most likely to trigger allergies, and where else do they lurk?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Dermatologist John Anthony, MD, answers this burning question and shares his best advice for keeping metal allergies at bay.

How do you know if you’re allergic to metal?

It helps to understand what happens when your body comes in contact with a metal to which you’re allergic. “Metal allergies are similar to any other type of allergic reaction,” says Dr. Anthony.

Your skin cells pick up small molecules of metal, which travel to your lymph nodes. Your body treats the offending substance like a foreign invader and quickly mounts an immune response. The result: redness, itching, swelling or a rash, with skin blistering or scaling at the site.

The symptoms of a metal allergy range from mild to severe. Each time you’re re-exposed to the offending metal, your skin reacts in the same way.

The metals that are most likely to cause problems

“You can develop an allergy to any metal,” Dr. Anthony says. But nickel, cobalt and chromates are the usual suspects. Manufacturers often use nickel and cobalt to alloy with other metals. You’ll find these metals in lower-quality jewelry such as costume jewelry, he says.

If you’re allergic to nickel, cobalt or chromates, Dr. Anthony suggests swapping costume jewelry for jewelry made from higher-quality metals. Metals less likely to cause a reaction include:

Advertisement

  • Copper.
  • Yellow gold.
  • Platinum.
  • Stainless steel.
  • Sterling silver.

If gold is your thing, be sure to choose yellow gold that is 14-karat gold or higher, he says. Avoid white gold and plated jewelry, as these are sometimes alloyed with nickel or cobalt.

(Could what looks like an infected piercing be an allergic reaction? Possibly. A family physician offers tips on how to tell the difference.)

Other places you will find metal

You’ll need to look beyond jewelry for potential sources of metal. Metal can hide out in products and devices where you’d least expect it. Here are six surprising sources:

  1. Tattoo inks. “If you’re considering a tattoo and have sensitive skin, you might want to hold off,” Dr. Anthony says. Pigments in tattoo inks can contain cobalt and other heavy metals.
  2. Cell phones. If you’re allergic to nickel or cobalt, your phone is a possible source of exposure.
  3. Eyeglass frames. Like jewelry, glasses frames are sometimes alloyed with nickel or cobalt. If you suspect your frames are to blame, opt for those made from stainless steel or plastic instead.
  4. Clothing hardware. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give the button on your jeans a second thought. But buttons, as well as rivets and zippers, are possible sources of metal exposure.
  5. Cosmetics and soaps. Before you put your face on or take it off, check the label on the products you’re using. Cosmetics such as eyeliner and eye shadow and some soaps may contain chromates.
  6. Artificial joints. “Implantable devices such as artificial joints, plates, rods and pins are often made from titanium. If you suspect that you have a titanium allergy, talk with your dermatologist about skin-patch testing before implant surgery,” Dr. Anthony says.

How to pinpoint and manage metal allergies

Skin-patch testing can help you find out if you are allergic to metal. If you are, it’s important to work with your dermatologist to find ways to limit your exposure.

“Whether it’s wearing gloves, adjusting your diet or painting the back of the button on the inside of your pants with clear nail polish, you have many ways to reduce or eliminate your exposure to metal allergens,” Dr. Anthony says.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person wearing earbuds, sitting in bed undercovers, coughing into their elbow, with laptop open on lap
December 3, 2024/Lung
Best Ways To Stop a Cough

Certain medicines and home remedies like ginger, honey and thyme can help calm a cough

Gypsy moth caterpillar on a leaf
October 4, 2024/Primary Care
Can a Caterpillar Cause a Skin Rash?

They may seem cute, but toxins released by certain kinds of caterpillars can leave you feeling itchy or worse

Arms of person standing outside, scratching a dotted red rash on arm
October 1, 2024/Allergies
Things You May Not Know You Could Be Allergic To

Water, touch, sunlight, physical activity and cold are some of the rarest allergies

Person sneezing into their elbow
August 7, 2024/Ear, Nose & Throat
What Causes the Sniffles? Here’s How To Stop Them

Take care of your runny or stuffy nose by staying hydrated, using a humidifier and considering a medication

Person coughing into a tissue by window during sunny, summer day
Summer Sniffles: Winter Isn’t the Only Time You Can Catch a Cold

Enteroviruses are often to blame for summer colds, leading to a runny nose, sore throat and digestive symptoms

Lifeguard looking at water with binoculars while two kids fly kites on the beach
May 23, 2024/Primary Care
12 Summer Health Risks To Watch Out For

From bug bites and blisters to sunstroke and swimming safety, here’s how to stay well this season

Person holding cup of hot tea, with honey jar floating in background
February 23, 2024/Ear, Nose & Throat
Why Your Throat Tickles — And How To Stop It

Often, a throat tickle is due to a cold, allergies or GERD — but see a doctor if it won’t go away

female on couch, holding mug, under blanket, blowing nose, cat on couch
January 22, 2024/Allergies
Why Are My Allergies Acting Up in Winter?

Indoor allergens know no season!

Trending Topics

Person touching aching ear, with home remedies floating around
Home Remedies for an Ear Infection: What To Try and What To Avoid

Not all ear infections need antibiotics — cold and warm compresses and changing up your sleep position can help

Infographic of foods high in iron, including shrimp, oysters, peas, cream of wheat, prunes, eggs, broccoli, beef and chicken
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Person squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water
Is Starting Your Day With Lemon Water Healthy?

A glass of lemon water in the morning can help with digestion and boost vitamin C levels, and may even help get you into a better routine

Ad