HYPOALLERGENIC EARINGS
A Comprehensive Guide on Hypoallergenic Earrings for Sensitive Ears
Today's Topic: Hypoallergenic Earrings
Earrings are designed to be pretty, compliment a look and be the perfect finishing touch to an overall stunning outfit. This isn’t always the case for all Americans who suffer from an earring allergy though!
Did you buy those lovely hoops to accentuate your face, perhaps to make a statement? Whatever your reasons, we bet you didn’t bank on itching earlobes! You might be wondering if it’s an earring allergy and what the solution might be.
Before you buy your next set of studs or hoops, this guide will provide you with all the answers you need to make an informed choice.
Why should you have to forgo something you like because your ears decide to reject it?
Thanks to hypoallergenic earrings, you don’t!
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Hypoallergenic Earrings, Say What?
That’s right folks, there are super stylish earring alternatives for allergy sufferers all over the world.
They are known as ‘hypoallergenic earrings’.
As with anything that is hypoallergenic, it’s usually more about your specific sensitivities than the properties of the earrings themselves. Many advertisers use the term ‘hypoallergenic’ on their product labels but that doesn’t guarantee that you won’t still experience an allergic reaction.
It all comes down to your sensitivities and knowing what sets your immune system off. Avoiding those substances is the real secret to finding hypoallergenic earrings you can flaunt all day long.
What Makes Earrings Hypoallergenic?
If you’re wondering why manufacturers can use the word hypoallergenic, then it’s simply because there’s no law saying they can’t.
If you’re curious about what actually makes something less likely to trigger an allergic reaction, then with earrings it comes down to the metals used. Nickel and copper are the primary suspects here.
Some advertisers may use these metals but still call their product ‘hypoallergenic’. That’s why it’s best not to blindly trust advertisers!
While the existence of hypoallergenic earrings is a massive relief to sensitive ears everywhere, this is also the reason are not entirely without risk.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t buy these earrings, they may be safer in many respects. If you have signs of an earring allergy, then you definitely want to buy hypoallergenic jewelry over the other options.
The truth is if you want to avoid a harsh allergic reaction to your sensitive ears then you need to be buying, ‘nickel-free hypoallergenic earrings’ if you’re allergic to nickel. Be extra vigilant when shopping and go to knowledgeable and reputable retailers. Ask them what would be best. Any place that sells nickel-free jewelry may be advertising the fact because more people are developing this allergy and seeking out alternatives.
You should not take anything for granted and make sure you do your research. It may seem like a lot of work for something so small, but when you are wearing your new hypoallergenic earrings and not spending your evening scratching at your lobes, it will be time well spent!
What Causes so Many People to Have Earring Allergies?
The simple answer is metal.
Yes, your lovely lobes don’t react very kindly to particular types of metal. The main culprit is usually nickel, but before blame is placed, it’s worth exploring what other metals might be causing your allergies.
Nickel
This metal can be found everywhere today. Your cell phone, keys, belt buckles, watches, zippers, and coins. It’s not so hard to understand then, that more people are becoming allergic to nickel every year. Women and girls are more likely to experience a reaction than men and boys.
The reason it causes such adverse reactions is not conclusive. All that’s known is that your body sees the substance as a threat and does what it does best – fight it off.
Copper
Copper is primarily pure on its own, but when used for earrings small amounts of nickel or other metal alloys are added.
This can react with the skin around your ears and turn them into a not so lovely shade of green. However, it is also believed that copper has healing properties and that it’s actually a good sign if you turn green.
Do you find this comforting? Mmm, neither did we.
It might seem easier to stop wearing earrings than to have to deal with all of that.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of earring allergy solutions suitable for those of you with this pesky problem. Hypoallergenic earrings for sensitive ears are a possible option, it all depends on what type of metal is used and what metals you are sensitive to.
Stirling Silver
This is known to be nickel-free although some manufacturers have been known to add copper to strengthen the earring.
Sterling silver is safe if you have a nickel allergy and if you confirm that nickel isn’t added to it. It is also resistant to corrosion which means that you are less likely to react to it as it won’t start to break down on you like other metals might.
Argentum silver is also nickel-free. It’s a pleasant silver alternative which also does not tarnish.
Gold
Sometimes nickel is included in gold jewelry, however, allergic reactions are rare.
This type of metal is pretty on your lobes but the main issue is in cheaper alternatives. These are more likely to cause problems.
You may want to avoid costume jewelry for this reason. If your budget allows, it’s best to wear 14-karat gold if you have had problems with earring allergies. Stay away from gold plated earrings. They can become an issue for you when they start to wear. The inner metal your skin is exposed to can cause irritation. Ideally, you want to buy solid gold if this is the look you’re after.
Surgical Steel
If you have sensitive ears, surgical steel may just be your new best friend!
You will most likely be familiar with surgical steel and if not, it is definitely worth looking into. You’ll want to check that any surgical steel earrings you buy are not mixed with small traces of nickel or other metals you might be allergic to.
That’s what will ensure they are hypoallergenic to you, making them an ideal solution for your sensitive ears.
Rhodium
This is what makes pure gold so beautiful by keeping it from tarnishing.
Unfortunately, while rhodium itself is relatively safe, in order for its plating to stick, traces of nickel are usually needed. It is usually just a small amount and many people wear rhodium with no problems.
It depends on your degree of sensitivity to nickel if you might react to these small amounts or not.
Titanium
There’s a reason this metal is used in medical treatments. It is 100% harmless and safe. There are no dangerous properties. It can also be crafted to make beautiful designs.
How to Know if You Have an Earring Allergy
Wondering if you really are allergic to earrings?
If you have ever felt a sticky substance when you take your earrings off, then you could have an earring allergy. And that is only the beginning.
There are other earring allergy symptoms you should watch out for as well, including:
- Discoloration
- Itching
- Nasty skin irritation that spreads
- Red patches
- Swelling
- Crustiness coming from inside the earhole
In more severe cases, specifically with nickel allergies, you could experience blistering of the skin, contact dermatitis, or hives. These are not the accessories you want, trust us!
Treating Earring Allergy Reactions at Home
Reactions can occur suddenly or it could take days for you to react. Don’t worry too much if this happens to you as most earring allergies are easily treatable. Here are some simple, at home earring allergy treatments:
It is best to treat any reaction immediately and use Calamine Lotion to soothe any irritation.
A wet compress is ideal to treat blisters and ease itching.
Lastly, keep the area moisturized because your skin will become dry. If this doesn’t help then you may have developed an infection. If you have increased redness or pus coming from the ear you should seek medical advice.
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