Have you got brass jewelry or other household items that trigger an allergic reaction? Since brass is an alloy that’s made of a mix of metals, it’s possible to develop allergies in reaction to some of these substances.
Here, we’ll provide you with all the details you need to know about brass allergies. We’ll talk about why this happens and some other alternatives you can consider.
Read on to find out more!
What are the symptoms of a brass allergy?
If you’ve got a brass allergy, some of the symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Skin blisters
- Chronic inflammation
- Cognitive impairment
- Hives
- Joint pain
- Fibromyalgia
If your skin turns green after you wear jewelry – such as a necklace or earrings, it could also indicate an allergic reaction.
What are the elements in brass that may trigger allergies?
Brass is an alloy usually made from zinc and copper. However, some types of brass may include small portions of other elements as well including:
- Nickel
- Arsenic
- Lead
- Phosphorus
- Aluminum
- Manganese
- Silicon
If you’re allergic to brass, you could be allergic to any number of these components.
Household items made of brass
Some of the more common items made out of brass include:
- Some types of jewelry
- Appliance parts – especially taps and faucets in bathroom fittings
- Tools
- Fittings – fasteners and connectors
- Door and drawer handles
- Musical instruments
- Decorative railing and accessories
Pay attention to whether you develop allergies when using any of the above. Also, consult a medical practitioner if you want to do a skin test to find out the details of what you’re allergic to specifically.
How to minimize allergies to brass
Here are some ways to minimize your brass allergy:
- Choose solid metals like sterling silver and 14K gold
- Surgical steel is also a good alternative
- When you’re purchasing jewelry, always check to see if there’s brass in it
- Replace household fittings that contain brass
- Wear gloves if you’re handling anything made of brass which you can’t replace
FAQ’s – You Ask, We Answer
Below are answers to some of the commonly asked questions we’ve received.
Can you be allergic to brass?
Yes, you can. Some symptoms include inflammation, skin blisters, and hives.
What metals can you be allergic to?
You can develop an allergy to any metal, but the most common metal allergies are nickel, cobalt, and chromates.
Will brass irritate my ears?
If you’re allergic to your brass earrings, it can irritate your ears. If that happens, opt for earrings made of a hypoallergenic material such as sterling silver.
What is the best metal for sensitive skin?
Some hypoallergenic metals that are more suited to sensitive skin include stainless steel, niobium, silver, and gold.
And that’s everything you need to know about brass allergies. If you’re allergic to brass, switch to a different material or add a protective cover and it should help with keeping the allergies at bay.
