Allergies and Baptismal Crosses

[Ioustinos]

So I think I have a metal allergy and I am having an allergic reaction to my baptismal cross pendant. I have developed a rash where my cross pendant would move back and forth across my chest during a typical day. At first I was unsure that the pendant was the cause of the problem, so I didn't wear it for 2 weeks. The rash went away and I began wearing my cross again, but the rash has now returned.

The pendant is sterling silver with gold plating. Typically most people are only allergic to nickel - which unfortunately is used when plating. I have tried putting a coating of clear finger nail polish on the back of the cross to act as a barrier between my skin and the cross but to no avail.

What do I do in this case? I know I'm not allergic to gold, so do I buy a new cross to wear? Does this make my cross any less "special" since my baptismal cross was baptized in the same water as I was? What do I do with my original baptismal cross?

I'm pretty bummed about this and not sure what to do

 

[ArmyMatt]

why not wear a t-shirt or undershirt between the Cross and your skin when you wear it? or I know some folks who wear it outside their clothes.

 

[katherine2001]

I have to wear a pure gold one. I am allergic to any other metals, and I will break out just like you describe. Gold ones are sort of expensive, but it is worth it to not have to deal with the allergies.

 

[Cappadocious]

Could get a plastic, carbon fiber, steel, tungsten, enamel, or wood one. Next time someone is baptized, dip it in the baptismal water.

 

[Shiranui117]

I second the idea of wearing the cross overtop a shirt, thus avoiding contact with the skin; sometimes I feel like body oil collects on the back of my cross, and where the cross sits against my skin, a zit often forms. So if I'm doing anything that gets me sweaty or hot, I either put the cross outside of a shirt, or don't wear it. Helps to keep the tarnish off the cross, too.

 

[Ioustinos]

why not wear a t-shirt or undershirt between the Cross and your skin when you wear it? or I know some folks who wear it outside their clothes.

I second the idea of wearing the cross overtop a shirt, thus avoiding contact with the skin; sometimes I feel like body oil collects on the back of my cross, and where the cross sits against my skin, a zit often forms. So if I'm doing anything that gets me sweaty or hot, I either put the cross outside of a shirt, or don't wear it. Helps to keep the tarnish off the cross, too.

I wear an undershirt anyways and I have tried this method, but somehow it slowly sneaks back underneath my shirt throughout the day.

 

[Kristos]

Bummer - my brother is very allergic to brass so he can't wear a belt buckle, even on the outside it still causes a reaction.

 

[Dewi Sant]

It wouldn't improve the look of the cross, but perhaps you could place it inside a small bag (still on a chain, or rope around your neck).
Would be nice if you could use some vestment fabric.

This way it would still be with you, but not causing irritation.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I wear an undershirt anyways and I have tried this method, but somehow it slowly sneaks back underneath my shirt throughout the day.

I know some folks who get another one blessed, and then have their baptismal cross on their icon corner

 

[Joseph Hazen]

Would a longer chain keep it from getting under your undershirt?

 

[chapdaddy]

Some clear nail polish or epoxy on the back has helped some people I know.

 

[RobNJ]

I don't know how much it will cost, but... a jewelry store can seal it/have it sealed for you.

Other than that. I'd second the idea of getting a cross in a material you're not allergic to, having your Priest bless it, and placing the original cross in you prayer corner.

 

[Ioustinos]

Some clear nail polish or epoxy on the back has helped some people I know.

I read about that and I have given it a try, but to no avail.

I don't know how much it will cost, but... a jewelry store can seal it/have it sealed for you.

Other than that. I'd second the idea of getting a cross in a material you're not allergic to, having your Priest bless it, and placing the original cross in you prayer corner.

I would buy another cross however all gold ones are pretty expensive and I wouldn't be able to spend that type of money at this time. Plus my original one means a lot to me, but in the end this may have to be the path I take.

Regarding having it sealed, do you know the name of this process? The cross I have now is sterling silver with some parts gold plated (this is a pic of it). From what I understand its the nickel that is used in plating that is causing the allergy (at least nickel is the most common metal that causes a reaction). And as far as I know most plating is done with nickel. So do you know of a particular procedure you'd recommend?

Would a longer chain keep it from getting under your undershirt?

It would but a longer chain may pose a safety hazard at my job if it came out from underneath my shirt.