Do you get itchy earlobes after wearing a nice pair of ear studs? Does your ears react to several metals severely? Well, if you can relate to these scenarios, then you definitely have sensitive ears! The irritation you experienced in those times is because of the type of metal used in the making of that particular jewelry piece.
A certified dermatologist known as Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton, MD explained that nickel is the prime culprit of allergic reactions caused by jewelry. However, the symptoms of these reactions may vary in every individual, from mild to severe. Typically-seen signs of sensitive ears are rash, swelling, itching, redness and sometimes bleeding. Rings a bell? Here is what you can do about it.
- Clean the affected area (ear lobes and surroundings) with the help of water and fragrance-free soap.
- Use an ointment after consulting a certified doctor.
- Always buy jewelry with hypoallergenic tag.
- Avoid using cosmetic jewelry because it may contain nickel and other elements responsible for reactions
Want to know more? Take a look at this quick 6-step guide. It will help you pick some nice jewelry for yourself that doesn’t cause discomfort to your sensitive skin. Have a look!
1. Identify The Type of Allergic Reaction You Experience
To choose hypoallergenic jewelry for your sensitive skin, you first need to know how your skin reacts to the certain metals used in the making different jewelry. A lot of people have severe allergies to alloy metals as well as low-quality statement pieces adorned for beauty purposes. You might just be one of them too!
It is therefore best to avoid purchasing any jewelry which is not made for sensitive skin specifically. It is certainly not worth any amount of money, no matter how pretty it may seem. Besides, cosmetic jewelry made from nickel or iron is totally un-wearable by women who have metal allergies. It is suggested to avoid getting any kind of doubtful set of earrings for newly pierced ears as it can easily cause inflammation and infections, while the skin is still healing.
2. Look for Pure Metals Only
Once you have identified your skin allergies, begin to seek hypoallergenic jewelry made from pure metals only. Most fashion and costume jewelry pieces, that you will come across, are likely to have some percentage of nickel in it. As a matter of fact, even sterling silver comprises of approximately 7.5% nickel. Hence, if you are caught up between what works for your skin and what doesn’t; opt for jewelry made from the purest metals.
Are you someone who gets a bad rash or itch while wearing artificial jewelry? It is best for you to look for hypoallergenic options, such as platinum and gold. Even if your skin doesn’t have an allergic reaction to nickel as such; go for jewelry that is gold plated or made from surgical stainless steel to be on the safe side. This will help in preventing any unwanted circumstances, like sudden skin rash, uncontrollable itching, bleeding, etc.
3. Choose Non-Metal Jewelry
Another great way to avoid metal allergy altogether is to opt for non-metal jewelry. Yes, you read it right. If you have highly sensitive skin, look for hypoallergenic jewelry that is made from beads, leather, rubber, and even cloth. Honestly, these materials make equally stunning bracelets and necklaces without triggering discomfort on your skin. Besides, who doesn’t love sophisticated and vibrant beaded ear pieces?
If you are not interested in beads and other skin-safe materials; then choose hypoallergenic pieces that you may easily get gold or platinum plated by a jeweler. This will enable you to flaunt some stylish, low-cost nickel jewelry while leaving onlookers appreciating its expensive appearance.
4. Notice the clasps and hooks
Another very important factor when choosing hypoallergenic jewelry for your sensitive skin is to check for its clasps and hooks. It is common for a jewelry piece made from high-quality metal to have clasps and hooks that are of a lower grade metal.
Remember, wearing jewelry you love shouldn’t be painful. Hence, be observant in order to ensure that your skin doesn’t get irritated when you are all adorned for a party or casual hangout. In other words, notice each tiny detail on the jewelry that appeals to you, before actually investing on it.
5. Ease of Cleaning the Hypoallergenic Jewelry
When you have sensitive skin, and you’re a jewelry lover too; you also need to be extra vigilant towards the cleanliness of all the pieces you own. After all, you wouldn’t want your sensitive skin to get adversely affected by putting on dirty jewelry. Would you? When you wear any kind of jewelry while going out, it is likely to collect dirt from the environment. Also, regular-use jewelry can get buildups from soaps, lotion, and even perfume. Apparently, this seems harmless, but it can actually inflame sensitive skin with allergic reactions that are worse than just a rash.
It is therefore essential for you to choose hypoallergenic jewelry that is easy to clean. Moreover, you also need to see that the jewelry doesn’t rust or lose its color when you soak it in a cleaning solution or scrub it with a toothbrush to remove all unappealing debris.
6. Conduct a Skin Test Before Purchase
The safest way to choose hypoallergenic jewelry – that is not only attractive but safe too, is to conduct a skin test prior to its purchase. For instance, if you have your eyes set on a fabulous chain made of sterling silver, invest in a sterling silver ring first and wear it for a good number of days to check for allergic reactions on your sensitive skin. You can do the same for jewelry made of nickel or other metal alloys instead of purchasing it and regretting your blistered skin later.
Furthermore, as a jewelry stocker with sensitive skin, it is also advisable to get a metal testing kit for yourself. This will save you from the hassle of going through the trial and error process before buying the jewelry piece of your choice. Metal kits easily detect the presence of metal alloys that might be unfavorable to the allergic skin. In fact, they are extremely handy for antique or vintage jewelry, but the kits will still be unsure of how hypoallergenic the ornaments may be.
Final words
The biggest problem faced by the people with sensitive ears is that, they can’t always buy the earrings they like. But the good news is that, now they can get stylish and chic ear pieces and that too suitable for their earlobes. How? Just by following the tips and tricks mentioned above.
Moreover, you can get comfortable fashion-forward accessories that can match your unique style, and coat them with hypoallergenic metals in order to prevent any reaction.
Keep in mind that everybody is different from another, and it would react differently to a thing. Same is the case with metal earrings; some metals give severe reactions to people, while other just experiences some redness around the lobes. Whatsoever, don’t risk your skin for a few pennies because it is not worth at all. Always opt for something that best-suits you. Gjluck.