Summary for sterling silver skin reaction Discussion
Sterling silver skin reactions are discussed as two different issues. In the first question, Costantino Volpe asks whether trace elements in sterling silver cause some people’s skin to turn green. Jim Sivertsen answers that the green staining is directly related to the 7.5% copper content in sterling silver, with perspiration pH and individual body chemistry reacting with the copper; he adds that newer fire-stain-resistant sterling alloys with lower copper and more zinc can reduce the problem. In a later question, Laurie Overmann describes an itchy, burning red rash from silver necklaces. The reply says this sounds more like a nickel allergy, sometimes from nickel used as a hardener in older jewelry, and recommends a dermatologist and skin testing. The answerer notes nickel sensitivity is common and that avoiding nickel-containing jewelry is the practical fix.
Q. Does anybody out there understand the effect where sterling silver will turn some peoples skin green but not others? I know it is related to body chemistry, medication, food eaten recently, body lotions, perfumes worn, chlorine from the pool and so forth and so on but does anyone know of any trace elements in the sterling ( P, Fe, S) that could possibly drive this reaction. Whenever this happens someone tries to blame the metal chemistry and I don’t know of any evidence to that effect. Should I be looking for something in my metal that would cause this or is it strictly environment? Thanks
Costantino Volpe
Tiffany & Co. – Cumberland, Rhode Island, USA
2005
A. The green staining on the skin is directly related to the 7.5% Copper content in the Sterling Silver. Perspiration pH and body chemistry on some people react with the Copper content in the Sterling Silver causing the green coloration. There are a number of newer fire stain resistant Sterling Silver formulations on the market that contain much lower copper contents, 3% to 5%, the balance replaced by other metals such as zinc. The reduction in Copper content has helped prevent the green staining.
Good luck & Best regards,
Jim Sivertsen
Alloys & Refining – Alden, New York, U.S.A.
2005
Q. I wear sterling silver all of the time and when I wear my silver necklaces they make my neck break out in a very itch and burning red rash. It is very visible and I have it right now and I am applying Hydrocortisone white cream which helps with the itch and burning. This does not happen all of the time when wearing silver around my neck but when it does it is painful.
Could you please tell me why this happens and what is the best way to treat this rash?
Thank you,
Laurie
Laurie Overmann
consumer – Mechanicsville, Virginia, USA
September 16, 2011
A. Sounds to me like you have an allergy to nickel (aka “nickel itch”), which is sometimes used as a hardener for silver jewellery, especially older articles. I strongly recommend you see a dermatologist and get this confirmed by some simple skin tests.
Don’t feel isolated – about 10-15% of the population are susceptible to nickel itch, so you are not alone. It is easy to treat – just avoid wearing nickel containing articles. In the EU and I believe in the USA, it is illegal to sell jewellery that releases nickel, so the best way to avoid it is to buy newly made articles and avoid older or vintage jewellery
Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
September 28, 2011
Q. I only get the red rash when I wear Swarovski necklaces, I have no reaction when I wear the rings, brackets or anklets. Is there a reason I only get a rash on my neck?
Dougherty, Eleanor
Spam – United States
April 11, 2019