Can't wear most of my earrings...

[LisaGold]

I have had pierced ears for a long time, but I can't wear most of my earrings. After about an hour or so my earlobes itch and become red and swollen, even if I wear expensive earrings. I realized I can only wear gold or silver earrings without any problems. (I guess I have expensive ears :cry: )
I did my rereplacement and it looks like many people are sensitive to nickel, which is present in a lot of jewelry. Even expensive earrings may contain traces of nickel. I do like all kinds of earrings, but not sure what the solution though. Any suggestions?

[Dancing Monkey Jewelry]

I've been told that fine silver is purer than sterling silver and does not contain nickel.  Of course, most ear wires are made from sterling sterling.  However, if you're at all handy - you can make your own ear wires.

[LisaGold]

Hey Martha,
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll be asking now what ear wires are made of. Unfortunately, this kind of info is not always mentioned on jewelry postings, and I think it should. Maybe you also know what is causing rush on my skin when my rings (not all of them) get wet? It could be a similar problem - sterling silver or nickel in the metal, but I am not 100% sure.
Thanks!

[Dancing Monkey Jewelry]

My husband used to get this rash on his finger when he would wear his wedding ring (Yes, I know there are all sorts of jokes that should go here about a man being allergic to marriage).  The doctor told him it was a fungal infection and to apply an anti-fungal cream to the area twice a day until it went away to make sure his hands were totally dry before he put his ring on.  His decision was to stop wearing his ring and now he doesn't have a problem with fungal infections.  

Aren't you glad you asked?  :shock:

[LisaGold]

That's a funny story, Martha. Thanks for sharing it!
Yeah, I am not sure I like the fungal infection part. I think I'll stick to my story that my ears and hands like only the expensive things.  :oops:

[yellowplum beads]

I have the same problem.  While I use sterling silver for pieces I sell, for my own pieces I use surgical steel.  Very few people are allergic to it, and it's cheap.  Sterling really irritates me--you're right, it's probably the nickel content, low as it is.

[Birdland Creations]

I make fine silver jewellery and have found that people who cannot wear sterling are usually just fine with fine silver as it is 99.9% silver as opposed to 92.5% which sterling is.  My earrings I sell with either sterling or fine silver ear wires or findings and I'm sure if you ask most people who make earrings, that they will be able to make some fine silver finding for you too.  Good luck - I hate the thought of not being able to wear earrings!

[BetaBoutique]

i have the same problem, well..maybe not so radical but my ears also gets very sensitive after wearing non-silver, non-copper, non-golden earwires. and i can suggest you once you buy any earrings ask seller to change silver-plated or whatewer-plated earwires to fine silver or sterling silver - it is ot problem at all.  at least sterling silver as well as fine silver works perfect for me and i do not have any allergy (except when earrings are really heavy:) ). and if you don't make earwires by yourself you can easily go to nearer jeweler and ask to change earwires - it is possible and should not be expensive. at least then you will be able to wear all your earrings

[CanadianRockiesArt]

I know some people whom are very sensitive to metals, and I have heard that a product called "Liquid Shield" (specially formulated to apply to jewelry as a clear coating to prevent the skin from touching the ear wires or ear post/back of earrings) is quite helpful. One coat will last a good 3 months or more (depending how often you wear the item).

You could also put it on the underside of your ring(s) and see if that helps with the reaction on your fingers.

I know that Fire Mountain Gems carries it on line. I ordered a bottle for a client of mine (brought it in with one of my orders) and she can now wear earrings without any problems, whereas in the past, she had not been able to wear any earrings at all (no matter what the metal) for the past 20 years.

She's quite happy now  

I hope this will help...

Cheers,
Nathalie  

[Beadlam]

Reading about Liquid Shield reminded me of what I used to do years ago when I went through a period where I could wear nothing but gold. I'd coat the ear wire or post with clear nail polish - worked like a charm - but would wear off the posts because of the ear nut used to hold it on. Right now I seem to be able to wear silver wires, gold, titanium and niobium with minimal trouble - but still stay away from posts. As a teenager, I could wear any kind of base metal, but I must have gotten sensitized as I grew older...

[ArtBySusmitha]

That liquid shield does work wonders!!  I've sometimes seen little bottles of those kept at regular departmental stores next to the jewelry section.

I also use only fine silver wire in my jewelry creations (that's whats easily available here in India) and that's safe to wear for anyone with allergies.

Also, I think that if you have only Nickel allergy, Copper should be fine for you ( however, there are people allergic to Copper itself). You get such gorgeous, artistic copper jewelry these days!!

Susmitha

[enidjewelry]

Usually, Titanium and Nobium earwires can be a nice alternative to silverplated.

And surgical steel contains nickel. My ears told me.

My nickel allergy has gone worse, sometimes I can't even wear my stainless steel watch and bracelet, I have an itch where my jeans button is, and I can't wear earrings that contain a big part of it mroe than 10 minutes, it becomes red and swollen right away.

I'll check the liquid shield out thanks =)

[Time and Sand]

I have had reactions to different metals also, when I started to make jewelry I used surgical steel, but still had alot of people who had reactions.  I now use fine silver for my earwires and don't have too many people with problems, but I am always willing to change wires out for a customer.  The liquid shield has worked for my customers also.  Certainly worth a try.

I loved the wedding band story!  

Hope you can find a solution, earrings are such fun!

Carrie

[Nora Demirjian]

I was going to suggest Liquid Shield too. I also have the 'expensive ears'.
My sister is alergic to her wedding ring also! Maybe I should tell her about Liquid Shield...

[Six Twigs Crafts]

I have the same problem as well and can only wear gold earrings.  Platinum is also an option... and with the cost, will remain as such--an option!

[Maple Leaf]

I didn't know a lot of people have this problem. I thought it was just me. Great suggestions everyone! I am definitely going to try Liquid Shield. Nothing will stop me now from buying more earrings! Whoo Hoo!