Is it possible to be allergic to platinum

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?

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

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. To prevent future rashes, make sure to purchase rings or any other jewelry only from sellers that know how the jewelry is made and are able to confirm that the item does not contain the metal that you are allergic to.

Instead of an allergic reaction, the rash may actually be irritation from trapped moisture and soap residue. Officially known as irritant contact dermatitis, it occurs when the skin's protective layer is worn away by moisture trapped under the ring.

The skin then becomes irritated from soap residue left underneath the ring. If the rash resolves itself after you have washed and thoroughly dried your hands after removing your ring, then it is most likely irritant contact dermatitis rather than an allergy.

Removing your ring before washing your hands, showering or doing the dishes and thoroughly drying afterwards will prevent this condition from occurring again. As always, see a medical professional immediately if the symptoms persist or worsen.

Monitor the health of your community here. More Articles. Written by Karen Lac. Contact Dermatitis: A Practice Parameter. Public-bathroom soaps are notoriously harsh, so Jacobs also suggested that I tote around little bottles of the CeraVe stuff to avoid getting my wedding ring rash in the future.

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