Understanding Nickel Allergies & Finding Allergy Free Earrings

If a person's earlobes become itchy, red, and inflamed after wearing earrings, he or she may have had an allergic reaction to nickel, a metal commonly found in jewelry. Nickel is a metal found in the natural world, and it is often mixed with other metals to make an alloy. If nickel-containing earrings cause a poor reaction, it is recommended that the wearer seeks out allergy free earrings or pieces that do not contain nickel.

When a skin reaction appears after contact with nickel, it is most likely due to a nickel allergy. This type of allergy is generally developed, meaning it is only after there have been instances of exposure that the allergy develops. The amount of exposure time required to develop a nickel allergy varies from person to person. Some people develop a nickel allergy after being in contact with the metal for a very brief time.

This allergy can affect people of all ages. The irritation will generally appear a couple of days after there has been contact with nickel. According to experts, the number of people with allergies to some metals has been increasing recently because of the rising popularity of body piercing. Metal allergy, sometimes called "contact dermatitis," is the most common form of skin reaction following poison ivy.

An allergic reaction to nickel can include redness, itching, swelling, and dry patches. In severe cases, this is followed by the development of blisters. After the initial reaction, the skin on the ear may become darker and leathery. In most cases, the irritation is contained in the general area of contact. People who have a mild allergy to nickel may see a bigger reaction if they wear earrings while they have been sweating, as this allows metal irritants to be more easily absorbed.

To confirm that a nickel allergy is present, a dermatologist can use a patch test to determine sensitivity to the metal. The doctor will apply a small quantity of the allergen to the patient's upper back. After two days, the doctor will examine the skin to see if there are symptoms of an allergic reaction. A nickel allergy is often a lifelong condition. To avoid irritation, a person must avoid contact with earrings and jewelry containing nickel. A corticosteroid cream may give some relief should irritation occur, but it is only available through a doctor.

Finding earrings and jewelry that do not contain nickel is not as easy as it sounds. Sometimes small amounts of nickel are present in sterling silver or even gold. Sometimes plating earrings with nickel-free metal is enough to protect the skin, but the irritants can make their way through the plating to cause problems. Similarly, earrings labeled "hypoallergenic" might be fine for some, but others will find that the plastic coating does not protect their skin well enough.

When someone is sensitive to nickel in earrings, they are probably also sensitive to nickel in necklaces and other jewelry. In fact, nickel is found in a variety of common items, such as watchbands, frames of glasses, snaps, zippers, and buttons. For people suffering from mild to moderate nickel allergies, it is best to try different brands, metals, and platings. To find pieces that are safe and fashionable, allergy sufferers should consider looking at brands and metals they have had success with in the past.

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