Avoid Nickel Allergies With Sensitive Earrings

For consumers who want to be fashionable, jewelry is the obvious choice, but what do you do if you have sensitivities that prevent you from wearing certain metals? You don't want to purchase a pair of gorgeous earrings only to find out that you can't wear them without your ears becoming inflamed. Sensitive earrings allow you to accessorize in style without irritation your skin, and knowing what causes your sensitivities can save a lot of pain in the future.

The Cause of Earring Irritation

Typically, a reaction to earrings is due to the nickel content of your earrings. This metal is common not only in jewelry but in cell phones and eyeglasses as well. Depending upon the severity of your allergy, you may experience light itching or intense burning. Redness of your ears and swellings are also signs of a reaction. Remove any earrings immediately to prevent the allergy from worsening. In some cases, you may even develop blisters in the location of your piercing.

If you're unsure what is causing your reaction, a doctor can perform a patch test, but you can often determine that a single pair of earrings is the problem by simply switching to a pair of hypoallergenic earrings that do not contain any nickel. You may experience similar reactions to wearing jewelry on your hands or around your neck. A doctor may also prescribe steroid or antihistamine medications to reduce the allergy symptoms. Drugstore allergy medications may also help to alleviate pain and swelling for a nickel allergy.

For most people, however, nickel-free earrings are the ideal solution.

What Makes An Earring Safe for Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive earrings simply do not contain nickel. Typically, earrings that are suitable for you if you suffer from nickel allergies will be made of a pure metal. Pure gold and surgical steel, for example, offer relief from nickel allergy symptoms. However, lower grades of gold may still contain nickel, so opt for 24-karat gold when it's an option.

A variety of earrings come in these materials. You can find studs, drop earrings and hoops. Barbells for industrial piercings are also available in surgical-quality steel, which is not the same as regular stainless steel, so be wary when shopping. Generally, these materials cost a little more than nickel.

If you have a pair of earrings that does contain nickel and you're unable to part with them, a jeweler may be able to plate them with a metal that makes them safe to wear. Quality plating will prolong the life of your earrings, but you should check that the plating hasn't worn away every time that you wear the earrings. However, inexpensive plated jewelry may simply be covering a nickel foundation. When the plating wears off of cheap jewelry, your reaction may return. Silver, platinum and titanium are other good options, and these metals are more common with rings.

It's important to let your piercer know if you have nickel allergies, so that she can use a piercing needle that is nickel-free. However, you'll have plenty of options available to you even if you have nickel sensitivities.

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