Earring Alternatives For Sensitive Ears

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An activity as simple as shopping for earrings can be difficult for those with sensitive ears. Those who develop allergic reactions or infections need to watch what earrings they buy. Nearly 50 percent of the population is allergic to the nickel used in jewelry. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be swelling, redness and itching. Most symptoms are present within 48 hours of wearing the offending jewelry. A hypersensitive reaction known as allergic contact dermatitis may result. In some cases, the infection may spread from the ear to the face and neck. Nickel dermatitis can also lead to additional problems, such as psoriasis and eczema. Sweating can exacerbate the problem, causing metal ions to spread and be absorbed.

Many sufferers try to combat the problem by simply buying more expensive jewelry. Even higher karat gold jewelry may have nickel alloys that can cause allergic reactions. To be free from pain and irritation, those with sensitive earlobes must wear nickel-free earrings. Even for those without sensitive ears, earrings made with nickel can interfere with healing. For this reason, those with freshly pierced ears should avoid it as well.

Shopping for earrings can be tough for those with sensitive earlobes. Buying expensive jewelry often means less to choose from in the morning when most shoppers can only afford a few expensive jewelry pieces. With a little information and shopping around, this does not have to be the case.

Nickel free options

Some women with sensitive earlobes concentrate on only buying gold jewelry. However, some kinds of gold contain too much nickel to be beneficial. Any gold lower than 24 karat may still cause allergic reactions, including white gold. It is best to stick only with 24 karat gold for its purity. The nickel allergy sufferer is not limited only to gold earrings, however.

Sterling silver may also be safe for some wearers. The key is to invest in fine quality sterling silver. Other metals for those with sensitive earlobes are niobium, titanium, and platinum. Niobium is used in surgical instruments, and many can wear it without experiencing allergic reactions. Titanium is another alternative. Besides being inexpensive, titanium is hypoallergenic as well.

Although expensive, platinum earrings are a good choice for those allergic to nickel. Aluminum, copper, palladium, and tungsten are additional options. Magnetic earrings are a fun alternative that relieve pain caused by arthritis and fibromyalgia. Plastic earrings actually reduce the risk of an allergic reaction, and come in many fun styles and colors.

Last but not least, hypoallergenic earrings are inexpensive and available in many stores. Many options also can be found online. Made of nickel-free metals, they are the safest alternative for sensitive earlobes.

Final tips

If this is a first-time piercing one should make sure the technician is an experienced professional using a stainless steel needle. Pure silver or gold earrings should always be used in freshly pierced ears. A temporary solution to nickel posts is to paint nail polish on them. Removing metal posts and replacing with plastic or wood posts makes earrings wearable. Another alternative is plating in hypoallergenic metals.

Having sensitive earlobes is not easy. Many kinds of earrings provoke allergic reactions. However, there are many alternatives to earrings containing nickel. The allergy sufferer's jewelry box can be just as well stocked as that of the non-sufferer.