Hypoallergenic Earrings For Allergy Sufferers
Many people experience an allergic reaction to earrings made of nickel and other metals including copper, gold and silver. This condition is called allergic contact dermatitis and manifests as skin rashes, bumps or blisters. Earring wearers with this sensitivity develop red, swollen and itchy earlobes that can become infected. One way to avoid this reaction is to avoid the allergy triggering metallic substance and to wear hypoallergenic earrings made of other materials.
Niobium
Niobium is a non-corrosive white or gray metal used in electrical devices and health care equipment like pacemakers and MRI machine batteries. Because it's an inert and therefore hypoallergenic metal, niobium also makes a great material to use in jewelry. In addition, anodizing niobium gives it beautiful vibrant hues like blue, red, orange, yellow, and purple. Earrings made from niobium offer an attractive and inexpensive option for people with metal allergies.
Nylon and Other Plastics
Carpets, brushes, tires, ropes, and many other common household products contain nylon, a type of plastic. Durable plastics can be dyed in a wide range of colors, and they resist mold, mildew and rust. Nylon posts and nylon earrings provide another affordable alternative to metal jewelry for people with metal allergies.
Platinum
Platinum earrings provide an elegant and sophisticated style option perfect for people with metal allergies. This pure and non-reactive silvery metal costs more than other sensitive ear earring options. For this reason, it may be a better choice for special occasion rather than everyday earrings.
Titanium
Titanium is a gray metal that resists corrosion. Used in rods and screws placed in the body after joint replacement and other orthopedic surgeries, this metal is strong enough to be used in aircraft and space shuttles and lightweight enough for jewelry. People with sensitive ears should select pure titanium earrings and avoid titanium alloy jewelry since the alloys may contain copper, nickel or zinc which cause allergic responses.
Other Materials
Other materials for allergy free earrings for sensitive ears include rubber, wood, surgical steel, stainless steel, gold and silver. Other metallic possibilities include aluminum, copper and tungsten. Cobalt, stainless steel and other metals can contain traces of nickel, however, and may trigger a rash in people with metal sensitivities. Since gold earrings can also contain nickel, 24K gold provides the best option for sensitive ears. Sterling silver provides the best silver option for sensitive ears. High quality gold and silver jewelry comes with a higher price tag than titanium or niobium and, like platinum, may make a better choice for special occasions rather than everyday wear for budget-minded consumers.
Because the portion of the earring that actually touches the ear causes the sensitive reaction to occur, earring posts and wires need to be made of materials that don't trigger allergies. It's not sufficient to wear earrings with non-nickel gems or beads. Any part of the jewelry that touches the wearer's skin needs to consist of a material that does not cause contact dermatitis. It's possible to buy posts and wires made of niobium, plastic, rubber, titanium and other skin friendly materials to make any pair of earrings safer for allergy sufferers.
About the Author
There's a lot more to learn about hypoallergenic earrings as well as all kinds of available styles. Please visit http://www.sensitively-yours.com get get more great information and see a ton of choices!
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