What does “hypoallergenic earrings” mean?
The term is used to describe compounds and materials that are least likely to cause skin irritation. Allergies most often occur to earrings made of inexpensive and low-quality metals, especially if the alloy contains nickel, which in some cases can lead to serious skin problems. However, if you have sensitive skin on your earlobes, it does not mean that you have to give up wearing your favorite accessory, all that is required is to carefully study the composition of the earrings when buying. Hypoallergenic products are made of metals such as pure gold and silver, aluminum, titanium, niobium and stainless steel.
Plastic earrings that are widely available on the market will also be a great solution. If you doubt the quality of earrings, but you like them too much to refrain from buying, we advise you to go to a jewelry shop and replace the clasp on the earrings or apply a special hypoallergenic coating on them.
What metal should be used for earrings?
Piercing the ears or thinking about ear jewelry that does not require piercing, we do not always know what metal is better to buy earrings. After all, some options can be too expensive, so they can’t be picked up for every day. And cheap costume jewelry can get allergic. So what metals are best accepted by the body? There are several options with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Gold
Earrings made of gold are considered the best for both newly pierced ears and those that have long since healed. They look rich and are well tolerated by the body. Allergies to gold are so rare that they can be counted on the fingers. However, the metal also has some disadvantages. First, not everyone likes the look of gold jewelry. In this situation, you can replace yellow gold with white. But the second disadvantage is the high price of gold. Not everyone can afford to buy even one pair of gold earrings. But sometimes you just want a variety! In addition, gold jewelry by its appearance often attract burglars.
Silver
Silver is also a hypoallergenic metal (unless it is technical silver, of course). Silver has a noble shine and a silvery hue. A layman will never be able to tell by the look of such jewelry whether it is made of silver or white gold. And they cost less than gold pieces. However, there are some disadvantages as well. Again, the appearance of silver may not be to everyone’s liking. There are people who only like yellow metal. Then you need to buy either gold earrings or look for silver with gold plating. The cost of silver jewelry is still quite high (not as high as for gold, but still), so to have a large selection of such earrings can also afford not everyone. If gold earrings can also be called a certain investment, then it does not apply to silver. By the way, the site junona-style.by has a large selection of silver and gold-plated earrings, both white and yellow.
Medical Steel
Medical steel is a special alloy used to make needles for syringes and droppers, scalpels and similar tools. By definition, this metal is extremely hypoallergenic, so it is also very suitable as a metal for jewelry. Medical steel jewelry is less expensive than gold and silver and looks almost as noble as silver. If you are not put off by the white color of medical steel, these earrings are the perfect choice for you. The disadvantages of medical steel include the white color of the metal (of course, this disadvantage is only for those who like yellow metal) and the fact that such earrings cannot be as much of an investment as gold jewelry.
Accessories and allergies: wear can’t leave
Allergies can vary from person to person, so it’s important to consult with a medical professional or allergist to determine specific allergies. However, I can provide you with some general information about potential allergens in accessories:
- Nickel: Nickel is a common allergen found in jewelry, particularly in earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. It can cause skin irritation, redness, itching, and rashes in individuals with nickel allergies. Look for jewelry labeled as hypoallergenic or made from materials such as surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, or nickel-free metals.
- Latex: Latex allergies can cause allergic reactions when in contact with latex-based accessories such as rubber bands, elastic bands, or latex gloves. Symptoms may include skin irritation, itching, hives, or even more severe reactions in some cases. Consider using latex-free alternatives made from synthetic materials like silicone or fabric.
- Fragrances: Some people may be allergic or sensitive to certain fragrances found in accessories like perfumes, colognes, or scented wristbands. Fragrance allergies can result in headaches, skin irritation, or respiratory symptoms. Opt for fragrance-free accessories or use hypoallergenic and unscented products.
- Certain Metals: Besides nickel, some individuals may be allergic to other metals like gold, silver, or copper. Allergic reactions can manifest as redness, itching, or rash. In such cases, consider wearing accessories made from alternative metals such as titanium, stainless steel, or hypoallergenic materials.
- Adhesives: Adhesive materials used in accessories like band-aids, medical tapes, or adhesive-backed accessories can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Look for hypoallergenic adhesive products or consider using alternative methods to secure accessories if adhesive-based products cause discomfort.
Rules for wearing earrings if you have sensitive skin
Jewelry can cause pain. It can also cause irritation, inflammation, festering, and a host of other problems. If you have sensitive skin, use the following 5 rules when choosing earrings.
Piercing – only in a salon
No amateurism! Even if you have a girlfriend, a neighbor, a mother, who knows how to handle a needle – for the performance of piercing it is better to apply to the salon. The procedure will hold sterile tools, pick up the earrings from the safe and hypoallergenic medical alloy. They can be worn until the healing of the piercing.
The salon master should have a medical background. Before the procedure, he will examine the lobes and find out if there are any contraindications. If the piercing heals long – pick up therapeutic ointment.
Determine “your” alloy
In jewelry, not “pure” precious metals are used, but their alloys. Additives increase the plasticity, strength, and wear resistance of the material. They can also cause an allergic reaction. The main culprits are nickel and cobalt.
Allergies “to metal” can manifest themselves:
- redness;
- itching;
- a rash;
- swelling;
- blisters or dry patches.
To find out which component is causing the allergic reaction, see your doctor. He will conduct a test to identify the irritant. In the future, you will need to buy jewelry that does not contain this component – manufacturers are happy to provide this information.
“Hypoallergenic” alloy
There are no rules in jewelry, which earrings can be called hypoallergenic, and which – can not. Usually under this name, bijouterie, which does not contain nickel, is sold. Less commonly, white gold with palladium or platinum.
The risk of an allergic reaction to the alloy is low. But absolutely safe “hypoallergenic” earrings cannot be considered: there is still a small probability of getting inflammation from them.
Titanium
The hypoallergenic metal of high durability. Earrings of titanium are very non-scratch, do not lose their luster, weigh less than steel. When heated, the metal changes color, which allows you to create purple, red, yellow, pink, black jewelry.
Titanium has been called the metal of the future. The selection of products made of it regularly grows: you can find both small earrings for piercing and more complex models.
