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Allergy-safe jewelry by Simply
Whispers took the top nine slots in a recent YAHOO tally of Top
Selling Products on the Web. YAHOO, the powerful Internet search
engine, tracks website sales in a range of product categories.
Simply Whispers took YAHOO's jewelry category. The simplywhispers.com
website offers three allergy-safe jewelry collections and watches
on-line. Best sellers were birthstones, holiday jewelry, cubic
zirconium pieces and watches.
The 40 percent jump in nickel-allergy
sufferers over the past five years is driving sales of allergy-safe
jewelry. Nickel is the fastest growing and biggest cause of skin
rashes in North America today, according to the Journal of the
American Academy of Dermatology's latest findings on skin allergens.
"The popular trend in body
piercing is contributing to the outbreak," says David Cohen,
MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, New York University School
of Medicine and member of the American Academy of Dermatology
(AAD). He adds, "Locations such as the upper portions of
the ears, lips, nose, nasal septum, tongue, navel, breasts and
genitalia are frequently chosen for piercing and have displayed
a challenging array of allergic reactions."
Nickel patient increase at
New England Medical Center
"We are seeing an increase in patients with allergies to
nickel content and sometimes to cobalt that may also be present,"
says Pamela Scheinman, MD, and contact dermatitis expert with
the New England Medical Center. She explains, "Cells in
the body react to the presence of nickel in the studs used to
keep the pierced site open. The cells then develop a mechanism
to react against the metal causing the skin to erupt. Unfortunately
these cells - known as T-cells - develop a memory. Every time
nickel comes into contact with skin, the T- cells think they
are doing your body a favor by reacting. Eyelids, a popular site
for piercing are particularly sensitive." Jewelry mislabeled,
"hypoallergenic," and inaccurate consumer information
are also blamed for the rash of nickel allergy patients in North
America.
Skin health information on
the web
For skin allergy information on-line simplywhispers.com offers
links to the American Academy of Dermatology, Northeast Dermatology
Associates, Dermatology On-line Journal, Allergy Cyber Center
and The Skin Site. Information may also be accessed through hypoallergenic.com.
Nickel is used to add luster
to items such as snaps, paper clips, drawer pulls and jewelry,
including even 14 kt gold pieces that often contain nickel as
well. "Among all chemical allergens, nickel is the most
common in North America," notes Dr. Cohen.
Roman Research uses surgical
stainless steel
To prevent nickel rashes, Simply Whispers jewelry is made of
surgical-grade stainless steel and 24 kt electroplated gold for
allergy-safe comfort. The company's Perfections line of allergy-safe
jewelry and watches is made of allergy-safe metals electroplated
with 24 kt palladium or 24 kt gold. Its Ultra Whispers line is
made with nickel-free solid 14 kt gold or sterling silver. Seasonal
jewelry, watches, chains, necklaces, bracelets, rings, pins and
earrings are available.
The website was established by
Roman Research, the only US manufacturer to make nickel-safe
jewelry exclusively. The company is a sponsor of American Academy
of Dermatology public education programs. The Hanson, Massachusetts
company invented the safe, one-step ear-piercing gun.
In addition to logging on at www.simplywhispers.com, free catalogs
and ordering are available at 800-451-5700. Major credit cards
are accepted. |
