A new bracelet goes on Monday. By Thursday there is a red, itchy patch under it. This is the most common jewellery complaint parents have, and in most cases the culprit has one name: nickel.
What nickel does to young skin
Nickel allergy is a contact allergy, the skin reacts where the metal touches it. Dermatologists estimate roughly one in ten people develops it, and it usually starts in childhood or the teenage years, often triggered by cheap earrings after a first piercing. Once the allergy develops, it is permanent. That is the important part: you cannot outgrow a nickel allergy, but you can prevent it from developing by limiting early exposure.
Why kids’ jewellery is a common trigger
Inexpensive fashion jewellery uses nickel because it is cheap, shiny and easy to cast. Children wear these pieces for long stretches, through sweat, bath time and sleep, which is exactly the prolonged contact that sensitises skin.
What to look for on a label
- “Nickel-free” or “hypoallergenic”, stated plainly, not implied.
- 925 sterling silver, the standard for sensitive skin.
- Surgical steel (316L), especially for first earrings.
- A seller who names the base metal. “Gold-coloured alloy” with no further detail usually means nickel is in the mix.
Signs of a reaction
Redness, itching, small bumps or dry patches exactly where the piece sits, typically earlobes, wrist or the back of the neck. Remove the piece, and the skin normally settles within days. If it recurs with a specific item, retire that item for good.
Our position at ANIKI
Every ANIKI piece is nickel-free. Not “low nickel”. None. It is the single biggest reason we started making jewellery for kids in the first place, sparkle should never come with a rash. If your child has known sensitive skin, start with our sterling silver earrings and see the difference a week makes.
