Skip to content
Earring allergies, also known as contact dermatitis, are a common issue that many people experience. While earrings are a popular form of self-expression and adornment, they can sometimes lead to uncomfortable and bothersome allergic reactions. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and prevention of earring allergies, providing you with the knowledge you need to enjoy your favorite accessories without any discomfort.
Did you know it is believed that 10% of the population have metal allergies? Most earring allergies or sensitivities are actually caused from nickel used in combined metals. As you sweat the oils from your skin react to the metals and cause oxidation, with nickel this causes nickel salts which in turn cause irritations such as redness, itching and swelling.
I have seen multiple posts about people recommending you coat the earrings in clear nail varnish to prevent earring allergies, this scares me for many reasons. First of all nail polish can contain toxic ingredients and is intended to go on the nail plate not through a piercing. Secondly, most reactions are due to metal allergy and you can’t guarantee to cover the whole post with nail polish and even a tiny amount of contact can create the same reaction. Lastly and probably most importantly, nail polish CHIPS! If your like me it chips the second you apply it! Now imagine the polish chipping and flaking into your ear piercing. This hack is unhygienic, unsafe and not recommended for earring allergies
The best solution for your earring allergies is to find a metal that works for you. One of the lowest reaction metals is stainless steel which is what we use on all our earrings at Trend Tonic. Stainless steel is one of the most hypoallergenic metals around. Although it does contain tiny traces of nickel its tightly bound at a molecular level. This means it is extremely unlikely to cause irritation. Happy ears all round!
Shop our full range of hypoallergenic jewellery here
Conclusion: Earring allergies can put a damper on your fashion choices, but with proper understanding and care, you can continue to enjoy your favorite accessories without discomfort. By being knowledgeable about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of earring allergies, you can make informed choices when selecting earrings and adopt best practices for maintaining healthy ear piercings. Remember, your skin's well-being should always come first, and with the right approach, you can confidently express yourself while keeping allergies at bay.