Well that'll teach me to try and look nice...

[DrRanj]

This problem is trivial compared to some so apologies...

I rarely wear jewellery, but over Xmas decided to make an effort and wear some that was given to me earlier this year for a big birthday.

I wore 3 different necklaces over 3 different days, but now I have come up with a massive red scaly ring around my entire neck, that is about 3 inches wide. I know that contact dermatitis is a delayed hypersensitivity so it is hard to tell which necklace caused it. It would be far too rude to ask the respective gift givers what metals the necklaces were wouldn't it? So looks like I may have to avoid wearing all 3...

To top matters off, my bro gave me a lovely eyeshadow for xmas and I guess I must have reacted to that as well, as both eyelids have gone bright red and sore - this has also never happened before. I look like I have been punched on both eyes and strangled!

And I thought I had been doing so well as I managed to avoid an asthma attack whilst staying at two houses who had cats, unlike last year, with careful preventative use if antihistamines!

Sorry about the moan, hardly life threatening but very annoying and sore!

Oh what a shame! Are there no hallmarks on any of the necklaces, so you could rule them out?

I would take the eyeshadow back if you have reacted to it, which brand is it?

It is an obscure brand, can't remember off the top of my head, but seemed good quality, probably bought somewhere like tk maxx...

The only one of the necklaces I have worn before is the one that is most likely to be cheap metal, it is more of a costume jewellery type thing...

The other two I was fairly convinced were both silver, they are handmade type things both bought my dm and dmil respectively, and I don't want to hurt their feelings by asking.

I have reacted to a necklace like that and I had the marks for ages. I sprayed A LOT of hair spray on it and tried it again and it was fine but I don't know if it was the hairspray or that I was no longer so sensitive to it after the first reaction.

Knowing me I would probably react to the hairspray! I am quite sensitive to perfumes and stuff so I normally spray them on to my clothes rather than directly on to my skin. But worth a go for next time!

Will steroid cream and/or antihistamines help?

That's what I use for hives I get when I'm around cats, but this is a different kind of thing I suppose?!

Oh you poor thing! In an attempt to look nice a while back, I totally splashed out on some Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation. My face came out in a mad itching rash and I swelled up all around my eyes!! Looked terrible. It took a good few days to subside. I rubbed loads of E45 on it and took antihistamines. Not sure if it helped but it seemed to. Hope you get sorted soon.

ouch - have you got any sudocrem or anything to put on it?
I sometimes react to metals on watches- very rarely though. dunno why it's not all the time but it's put me off wearing one.
were you wearing any body cream or perfume that may have caused the reaction perhaps?

I react to some metals
Often nickel
With jewellery I often coat it in varnish, clear nail varnish does the job though I tend to use a finer spray now

Clam, if you could see the rash it is very obvious one of the necklaces caused it. There is a perfect red ring around my entire neck! it looks like I am wearing a wide red choker!!

Oh no! Hope you weren't planning on wearing a low cut dress any time soon!

Tbh it's very visible whatever I wear, unless I cover it with a scarf. Seriously looks like someone has tried to garrotte me!

Is there any chance you could be pregnant? I develop allergies to jewellery and skin products when I'm pregnant.

Oh jeez don't say that! I have been feeling queasy all morning for no apparent reason...

I have got a mirena coli though. And don't remember developing any new allergies last time; though don't wear jewellery much anyway...

Crumbs! But doubt I am...

Oh dear, my sympathies too. I hope the rash isn't too horribly itchy. When I have these types of reactions (no longer wear watches, only one or two pieces of gold jewellery, can't get on with most cosmetics) I find topical hydrocortisone from the chemist helps and emollients. Aveeno works for me, a lot of the others - and I have tried so many! - make things worse.

I hope it clears up soon!

I just poas! I'm not pg!

Having been feeling odd the last few days and the thought had occurred to me so just wanted to make sure...

Must just be an extended hangover!

Have you had your mirena for long? I had weird pregnancy symptoms the whole time I had mine. I got so fed up I pulled the bloody thing out myself.

Yeah had it since may. It is rather necessary as I have endometriosis, haven't got on with it too badly except for terrible skin.

Been feel decidedly dodgy all day though, wondering if I might have Noro, as it feels like I am constantly fighting the urge to be sick! And feel all floaty. Either that or a migraine or something.

Poor you. There's nothing worse than that feeling of wanting to be sick and not actually being sick.

Just had a wee look online. Apparently a low immune system caused by having a virus may trigger allergic reactions. So maybe you do have a virus.

Thanks. I have been burning the candle at both ends somewhat over the last couple of weeks, so wouldn't be surprised if I'm a bit run down!

Yup, it'll be the nickel. It's bastard for the lumpy/itchy red rash ring.

I developed a nickel allergy post my DS, before that I could wear anything. The worst is 9ct gold which is sad because i can't wear my mum and dad's wedding ring for more than a day

Oh well! I always got slightly crusty ears from cheap earrings, but never had this from necklaces before now. Guess I will have to be more careful in future, especially as this rash is still going strong!