I have the most sensitive skin of just about anyone I know. I can not wear any metals other than sterling silver and gold, or I will break out in a horrible rash. Wearing gold or silver jewelery isn't TOO much of a problem except in one case- watches. I need a watch- I go crazy without one. I had one that had a plastic clasp that worked very well for two years, but the band broke, and they don't make the watch anymore. Since then, I have tried many watches. They all give me a rash. My mom thought that it was just an allergy to nickel, so she bought me a nickel-free watch from a company that specializes in jewelery for sensitive skin. I broke out within 24 hours. We can't find a sterling silver watch anywhere. Yesterday, my mom bought me a watch that supposedly has a plastic clasp while we search for a sterling watch. Apparently not, as I've allready broken out. I don't know what to do. I'm not sure if I'm expecting any help, or if I'm just ranting, but any advice you can give me is MUCH appreciated. Thank you.
Posts: 360 | Location: Hicksville, MA USA | Registered: 06-03-02
I thought I was the only one!! I HATE wearing metal. If I DO wear it, it can only be silver for me not to suffer from it. I don't get get a rash that is TOO bad....my skin just itches and burns when metal is in contact with it for very long...when the metal is taken away, the flesh underneath is red and raw. I would really like to find out what causes this. I'm glad I'm not the only one!
Posts: 1015 | Location: Atlanta, GA USA | Registered: 06-04-02
Some people are just too sensitive to any metals to wear them without breaking out. Most find solace in applying a thin coat of clear nail polish to the metal. Granted, it is a little difficult to do on a watch but it can be done. Just allow plenty of drying time. Try it and see if this works for you.
If you would rather find a plastic watch, Timex has the Ironman series which is all pastic. They are a bit sporty looking so you probably would not want to wear one to a formal function.
Posts: 9192 | Location: Atlanta, GA, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
Timex makes watches (about $20) that are plastic AND have a fabric band.
"The Band" is also made of fabric and is positioned on any watch so that the watch rests on the fabric, not your wrist. I had never been able to wear a watch until discovering The Band. I can't find a link for The Band, sold at Walmart, but here is a link for a similar product.
You are not ranting, Iamtwp. Allergies to metal can be serious, or suddenly get serious. You're right to listen to your body.
I was going to suggest what I did, which is make a fabric band that covers the metal (it passes right under the back of the watch, exposing the face, but covering the band completely elsewhere. I made several, to match different outfits. But Nerdqueen's answer is better.
Posts: 6329 | Location: British Columbia, Canada | Registered: 06-11-02
Another thought...I recommend that metal sensative people stay away from magnets used for relief of aches and pains. I let someone run one over my sore shoulder and suffered loss of balance (and the accompanying pukes) for 2 days. It was so bad that I had to hold onto walls and walk with my eyes closed.
Posts: 1190 | Location: Spenard, Alaska, home of the Spamtones | Registered: 06-03-02
