Nickel Allergy? Torn Or Sagging Earlobes? Find Solutions Here!
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Do earrings make your earlobes itch, seep or scab up? Do watches, rings or other jewelry cause a rash? Are your piercings torn or stretched? There are solutions to all these common jewelry problems. Read on for help.
Most allergic reactions to jewelry are the result of nickel content in metal. Reactions occur when the nickel induces an immune system response by interacting with sweat, meaning it's a "reactive" metal. Nickel allergy symptoms can range from minor itching to blisters (nickel dermatitis), and can even trigger psoriasis and eczema outbreaks.
Symptoms can appear quite suddenly, even in people who have never previously experienced reactions. Pierced jewelry causes the majority of problems. This is because the metal comes into contact with the inside of the hole, where skin is much more sensitive.
In some cases, reactions are caused by bacteria, chemicals, soap residue or other substances on the surface of the metal. Before spending any money on other solutions, it's wise to first carefully clean the problematic jewelry with hydrogen peroxide. Allow it to dry thoroughly before wearing it again.
If cleaning doesn't solve your problem, nickel is probably the culprit. Most jewelry labeled as "hypoallergenic" or "hypo-allergenic" still contains nickel. Unfortunately, the term "hypoallergenic" was created by marketers, and has no medical definition or industry standards. Metal alloys like white gold also usually contain some nickel.
Using clear nail polish may enable you to wear your current jewelry. Coat earring hooks, pendant, watch and belt buckle backs, and the insides of rings and bracelets. The polish will need to be reapplied as it wears off. Watch backs may require re-application every few days, while earring wires may not require it for months or even years at a time.
HOW TO WEAR THE JEWELRY YOU ALREADY HAVE
If this doesn't work, ear hooks and wires can be changed to less reactive materials, enabling you to continue to wear your favorite drop and dangle earrings. Earring parts are called "findings", a term that refers to the hardware used to make jewelry. Findings also include things like clasps, spacer beads and jump rings. People with severe nickel allergies may need to change out all of their findings if they want to keep their current jewelry.
Findings come in a variety of materials. Allergy sufferers with minor symptoms may do well with low-nickel options, like 18k - 21k gold fill or sterling silver (stamped with "925"). Those with medium reactions need to go nickel-free. Niobium, 24k gold fill, fine silver (stamped with "999"), pure titanium, platinum, palladium or tungsten are all good choices. For the most sensitive skin, only non-metallic materials like nylon, wood, ceramics or plastic will do the job.
The following findings stores are experienced in helping nickel allergy sufferers:
Hypoallergenic Findings
Rings & Things
While it's easy to switch out earring wires, earring posts pose a tougher problem. One approach is to use thin plastic earring sheaths on the portion of the posts that come into contact with skin. These are called Pierced Ear Protectors and are made by E'arrs.
Rings & Things
Direct from Earr's
Jewelry By Rhonda
When buying new jewelry, use the materials guidelines listed above. A good source for nickel-free jewelry, buttons, belt buckles and rivets is No Nickel.com.
If your piercings still become irritated, it's time to switch to non-pierced jewelry. Clip-on and screw-on earrings are the best known of these, but ear cuffs, HookEars, Ear Fancys, Wraps, magnetic earrings and other beautiful non-pierced choices are available. A side benefit is that they won't cause your earlobes to sag over time.
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Body jewelry also comes in "fake" non-pierced versions, including belly clips, nose hoops, lip rings, magnetic studs and more. Some of these products can also be used to replace pierced earrings.
For people who need to completely avoid prolonged skin contact with metal, even in non-pierced items, stick-on jewelry provides an alternative. Bindi are Indian forehead decorations, and are usually self-adhesive. They're inexpensive, yet attractive, and come in many designs. You can buy skin-safe glue to reuse the bindi as many times as you like. Other types of adhesive jewelry are also available:
Body Jewels
Another Body Jewels source
Allstarco
Snazaroo Peel & Stick Skin Jewelry
Another Snazaroo source
Other good choices include resin, glass, textile, ceramic and plastic jewelry. Some jewelry designers are even using latex to create striking necklaces and bracelets. Shells, seeds and stones are also typically non-reactive, and provide a wonderfully organic look. Just remember to avoid metal clasps and other findings.
Here's where we clear up some common myths you may have heard about nickel sensitivity.
Some sources claim that wearing quality stainless steel is the solution to nickel reactions. However, 316L stainless steel, which is what most watches are made from, contains about 10% nickel. Rolex uses 904L stainless steel, which contains 23-28% nickel. So-called "surgical steel" can be either 300 series (10% nickel) or Martensitic, which contains less than 2% nickel. The term "surgical" refers solely to strength, corrosion resistance and ease of sterilization.
Most white gold, which is an alloy, contains nickel. However, there's a more expensive type that uses palladium instead. It should be safe to wear.
Many jewelers recommend rhodium plating as a way for those with nickel sensitivity to be able to wear their favorite jewelry. Be aware that rhodium plating is usually so thin that it's porous, meaning that it won't protect you from exposure to nickel. However, thick, non-porous rhodium and platinum plating is available for a higher price. You'll still need to replate every 2-4 years, so reserve this option only for your most treasured items.
You may have heard that jewelry from the European Union doesn't contain nickel. EU regulations do prohibit high nickel content in items that will have prolonged skin contact. Still, low levels of nickel are common. With that said, the allowable amount is small enough that nickel dermatitis on the wane in the EU. In North America, where nickel in jewelry is unregulated, nickel dermatitis is on the rise.
SAGGING EARLOBES OR TORN PIERCINGS
For minor sagging issues, using large earring backs to support an item's weight might may be all that you need.
Earr's Diskies with gold-colored center
Earr's Diskies with silver-colored center
Earr's Diskies in 100% plastic
Plastic surgery is an option for torn earlobes or other piercings, and many turn to ear lifts for sagging earlobes. However, Lobe Wonder is a far cheaper and less invasive solution. This product uses clear adhesive patches that are applied to the back of the ear, and then pierced by the earring. The patch provides the support necessary to hold the earring up in its proper position. It also minimizes the sagging look.
