Safe Selections For Allergy Free Earrings And Jewelry

The rise in popularity of body piercings has led to an increase in nickel sensitivities and nickel allergies. Sensitivity or allergy to nickel or other metals manifests as itching, rash, swelling and occasionally blisters. The affected skin typically has been exposed to the allergen, usually through jewelry, within 24 hours. This unpleasant skin condition leads sufferers to seek out allergy free earrings and other jewelry. For those experiencing difficulty wearing conventional jewelry, there are hypoallergenic alternatives available.

Nylon

Once the domain of parachutes and pantyhose, nylon is now widely used as a component in hypoallergenic earrings. Nylon can be dyed and molded into an endless number of interesting designs. As a non-metal material, nylon is a safe choice for those allergic to multiple metals.

Surgical Stainless Steel

Surgical stainless steel jewelry is affordable, readily available and hypoallergenic. Many earrings state that the posts are composed of surgical stainless steel, but the remainder of the earring may not be hypoallergenic. Depending on the severity of the nickel allergy, it may be necessary to ensure that the entire earring is composed of hypoallergenic materials.

Gold

Most gold is currently part of an alloy. This presents a potential allergic reaction if the alloyed material is nickel. However, 24-karat gold is pure gold. Although costly and less available, 24-karat gold is still a potential option for allergy free jewelry.

Titanium

Titanium offers the hypoallergenic qualities of surgical stainless steel in a similar appearance. Although titanium is 45% lighter than surgical stainless steel, it is just as strong. This makes it a comfortable and durable choice for allergy free jewelry. Titanium allergy is extremely rare, making it a safe choice for those suffering from metal allergies. To ensure safety, it is important to confirm that the selected jewelry is pure titanium rather than an alloy.

Niobium

Like titanium, niobium very rarely causes an allergic reaction. Niobium is a softer metal than titanium which reduces the risk of irritation in highly sensitive individuals. Unlike titanium, which is occasionally found as an alloy with nickel or other metals, niobium is almost always found in its purest form. Niobium is an affordable option for hypoallergenic jewelry.

Lead-Free

Concerns of excess lead in jewelry and other items has become a hot topic. Painted jewelry is more likely to pose a threat of lead contamination. Jewelry that is marked with a warning to be kept out of reach of children may pose a risk of lead contamination. Any jewelry of suspicious origin or that appears to be at high risk of lead contamination should be avoided. Many people with nickel sensitivity or allergy will also be affected by lead.

People who experience itching, redness and other unpleasant signs after wearing conventional jewelry have many stylish hypoallergenic options available. It is possible to avoid unpleasant reactions and still enjoy stylish jewelry. Regardless of price point or design aesthetic, allergy free earrings and other jewelry pieces can be found in a wide selection of materials. Other materials to explore that are less likely to cause a reaction are wood, plastic and tungsten.

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