Why can't I wear sterling silver earrings?

Sterling Silver is an alloy

Nickel allergies are widespread, affecting an estimated twenty percent of the population. When nickel is in contact with your skin an allergy can develop over time. When your body eventually recognizes nickel as an offending substance, your ears will react to earrings containing nickel.

Is sterling silver OK for earrings?

So, is 925 sterling silver good for earrings? Yes. Generally, 925 Sterling silver is suitable for earrings, specifically high-quality 925 sterling silver, as it does not contain nickel alloys. However, suppose you suffer from some metal allergy, such as copper.

Why are my ears allergic to sterling silver?

Because pure silver is usually too soft to be made into jewelry, a small amount of nickel is mixed in to keep the silver firm and lustrous. When the nickel seeps out of the jewelry, it comes into contact with the skin and can cause an allergic reaction.

Why do my ears itch when I wear sterling silver earrings?

Because nickel is so prevalent in many common items (zippers, faucets, belt buckles, eyeglass hardware), many people do and will develop an allergy to this and other metallic alloys. First – if earrings make your earlobes itch or feel super sensitive, or give your skin a rash, chances are you have a nickel allergy.

Is sterling silver OK for sensitive skin?

Most sterling silver jewelry is hypoallergenic. This means that it should be fine, even for people with sensitive skin. The jewelry pieces you need to avoid are the ones that mix allergenic metals, such as nickel, with silver in order to make their alloys.

Does sterling silver tarnish?

Is sterling silver earrings hypoallergenic?

Genuine sterling silver contains 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper, and possibly other metals like zinc or nickel. Nickel-free sterling silver jewelry is a good hypoallergenic option.

Can sterling silver break you out?

Alloyed metals can contain nickel, so 14K gold or gold-plated jewelry can still cause allergic reactions.” For those with nickel allergies, purchasing pieces made with surgical-grade stainless steel, platinum, pure sterling silver, or 24K yellow gold will help ensure that your jewelry won't cause a reaction on your ...

Why are my ears crusty after wearing earrings?

Local infection: about 10-30% of people may get a minor infection at the piercing site. This can happen even when the piercing is sterile and done by professionals. Symptoms include yellow discharge, crusting, or mild irritation.

Why is my earring hole so itchy?

If you've never had an earring hole infection before, you may not be familiar with the warning signs and symptoms, but they're pretty straightforward. Warm, itchy, tender ears are a telltale sign of an infection, and your ears will also likely look red and a bit swollen.

What type of earring is best for sensitive ears?

Platinum and stainless steel tend to be less reactive, making them the best metals for hypoallergenic jewelry, says Marchbein. “These are also good options, along with plastic, for initial ear piercings, which can decrease the risk of developing ACD later on,” she explains.

Is sterling silver suitable for sensitive ears?

The best earrings for sensitive ears are generally made with gold, platinum, or silver. Make sure you buy earrings that are 14k gold or above or sterling silver 925 to avoid the possibility of nickel being mixed in.

Does sterling silver have nickel?

Sterling silver is an alloy, but does not contain any nickel, so is wearable by most segments of the population. Sterling is sometimes stamped . 925, because it's made of at least 92.5% pure silver. Typically the remaining 7.5% consists of copper.

How do you know if you're allergic to silver earrings?

You'll usually see symptoms 12 to 48 hours after you come into contact with nickel. You may notice itching, redness, rash, dry patches, and swelling of the skin. Sometimes blisters follow. They may break, leaving crusts and scales.

What is the black stuff in my ear piercing?

All silver tarnishes over time, and most piercers warn against wearing sterling silver in a new, unhealed piercing. Sterling silver will likely tarnish, and the blackish oxidization will become trapped inside the healing tissue, where it can leave a permanent black or gray "tattoo" mark at the piercing site.

Why do pierced ears smell?

Infected ear piercings sometimes smell bad. Pus, dead skin, and other drainage from the infection can stick to earring posts and backs. This can cause a bad smell to linger. Cleaning the ears and earring posts with either rubbing alcohol or a special ear piercing solution might help.

What is ear cheese?

If you've experienced itching, pain, or drainage from your ear, this could indicate an ear infection affecting the ear canal. Sometimes, even if the infection inside the ear canal has cleared, bacteria or fungi might remain . This can cause a cheeselike smell behind your ears.

Why is my old ear piercing leaking clear liquid?

You might even see some white or clear fluid from the piercing — this is lymph fluid, not pus. Dr. Wexler adds that this is normal and may be noticeable for several days after your piercing. If it persists past a few days it's good to rule out an allergy to the jewelry.

What is the best material for sensitive ears?

Your best choices for nickel-free, hypoallergenic materials in jewelry are titanium and medical grade plastic. They are both versatile, durable and comfortable to wear.

Can I wear sterling silver if I'm allergic to nickel?

Wear hypoallergenic jewelry

Purchase jewelry that's made of materials that aren't likely to cause allergic reactions. Look for jewelry made from such metals as nickel-free stainless steel, surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, 18-karat yellow gold, or nickel-free yellow gold and sterling silver.

How can I stop being allergic to earrings?

Is sterling silver real silver?

Silver is a soft metal which is used to make jewellery and objects. Due to its softness, it is often mixed with a small amount of another metal to make it more durable and lasting, and in most cases, sterling silver is composed of 7.5% copper. For an item to qualify as solid silver, it must be 92.5% pure silver.

What earrings should I wear if I'm allergic to sterling silver?

If you've had allergic reactions to some sterling silver earrings in the past, nickel is probably the culprit, and you should stick to nickel-free sterling silver. Or, even better, make the switch to Argentium sterling silver! Argentium is hypoallergenic because it uses germanium for a hardener.

Can you wear sterling silver everyday?

In conclusion, you can wear sterling silver every day, but you must do so carefully. Regular wear prevents premature tarnishing ONLY if you avoid wearing it when participating in certain activities. Remember: avoid moisture, open-air, and chemicals if at all possible.

Can you get rid of a nickel allergy?

There's no cure for nickel allergy. Once you develop a sensitivity to nickel, you'll develop a rash (contact dermatitis) whenever you come into contact with the metal.

What does nickel allergy look like?

The skin allergic reaction to nickel looks like eczema. Signs and symptoms include an itchy rash with redness, swelling, scaling and possibly a crusty appearance. The rash generally appears on the area of the skin that comes into contact with the metal.