Why do particular metals (not sure which kind) found in some jewelry/sunglasses sometimes cause a rash or reaction on your skin?

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Why do particular metals (not sure which kind) found in some jewelry/sunglasses sometimes cause a rash or reaction on your skin?

In: Chemistry

4 Answers

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As you come in contact with some metals, nickel in particular. As the nickel is released onto your skin, it can enter your skin. Your cells take this nickel and give it to your immune system. The more nickel your immunesystem gets shown, the more immune-cells are made to handle that nickel. When you get too much nickel, your immune system reacts and you get a rash.

Also fun fact to add, you cant smell metal. Metal does not evaporate at room temperature. So that metal smell you can smell, is actually the oils of your skin reacting with the metal. Try smelling a coin after handling it. Then wash it off with dishsoap and dry it with a paper or towel, without letting your skin touch it. It wont smell until you touch it again!

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