The moment you get your ears pierced is an exciting time. You’re immediately ready to try out an assortment of styles, interchanging them everyday as you’ve now unlocked a whole world of accessories. However, for some, this new world can suddenly become restricted when they realise their new earrings are reacting with their skin.
If you suffer with sensitive ears, fret not, we’re here to show you how you can find the right hypoallergenic earrings for you so you can express your signature style without irritation and discomfort.
What makes ears sensitive to certain earrings?
Allergies and senstivites are different depending on the individual. When jewellery such as earrings are worn regularly, friction, moisture and time will have an effect on the ears, making them increasingly sensitive to the metal, and since the skin around a piercing is already sensitive due to it being an internal wound, the reaction will be triggered everytime you enter and remove the earring. This can show in the form of itchiness, redness, swelling, and even bleeding.
It is almost always the metal choice in your earring post that is making your ears sensitive, and since most metals, especially alloys, are not entirely compatible with human skin, repeated exposure to the metal can increase the risk of developing an allergy.
Find out which metals you’re allergic to
Everyone’s skin is different, so whilst some earrings will work for some, others may not. However, the recurring culprits to causing sensitivity are nickel, copper, and cobalt. These three metals are most likely to cause your ear sensitivity as they react with the human body and also contain trace amounts of different highly reactive metals. Your body will try to resist the alloys for as long as it can, but this resistance will eventually turn into a reaction, which is usually seen in the form of swelling, itchiness, and redness.
So, the first step in combating your ear sensitivity is finding which of these metals are causing your reaction. The best way to do this is to seek the advice of a medical expert first and foremost, as information may already be available on your record or through medical tests.
However, sometimes, sensitivity can develop over time, and the best way to identify what is causing it is to look out for patterns and triggers when certain pairs of earrings are worn. This way, you can understand the metals that are the most irksome and avoid them in the future.
How to choose the right earrings for sensitive ears?
Once you’re more conscious of the types of metals that are causing your ear sensitivity, you’ll be able to choose the right earring types for you. To help simplify your search, we’ve put together a list of metals that are renowned for their hypoallergenic properties.
Pure titanium
Titanium is among the best metals for jewellery use. The metal does not react with human skin and is therefore perfect for those with a nickel allergy. However, there are still earrings that are made with titanium that includes alloys that are not allergy sensitive, therefore you should always check the label and make sure the product you’re buying is pure titanium.
Pure titanium is the most biocompatible element and will not corrode, tarnish or rust, so, you can wear your earrings as much as you please.
Platinum
Platinum is a non-alloyed metal and so will not irritate even the most sensitive skin. It is extremely non-reactive and among the most popular choices for jewellery for those with skin allergies. It is also an extremely rare and desired metal choice, so may not be the most affordable option.
24ct gold
Jewellery that is anything less than 24ct is alloyed, and it is sometimes difficult to find out exactly what the alloyed metals are, so buying gold can come at a risk. Gold-plated earrings also may not be appropriate for sensitive ears as these involve coating a base layer with gold and overtime, this thin layer can wear off, leaving your skin exposed to the reactive metal underneath. 24ct gold, or as close to as possible, is therefore a good option when buying earrings for sensitive skin.
By now, you should be able to confirm which metals have been troublesome to you, and which will place as a far better, comfortable alternative. If you’re still unsure about which earrings are right for you, or you have any further qestions or queries regarding our jewellery collection, feel free to get in touch and one of our expert advisors will be on hand to help you through you concerns.
