Pierced Earring Allergy Symptoms

But more often than not, any discomfort is down to irritation or an allergic reaction rather than an infection. And it’s important you know the difference so you can get the treatment you need. So, with that in mind, here’s how to identify what’s wrong with your piercing and how you treat each one.  

Infections are caused by bacteria and other contaminating substances getting into the wound. This can mostly be avoided by following basic hygiene rules and using a trusted piercer. The tissue surrounding an infected piercing will become swollen, red, painful and hot when you touch it. It’s likely it will also have a discharge that’s dark yellow or green in colour. It may also appear slightly bloody or smell unpleasant. In short, it will look pretty gross.  

WHAT

If you experience any discharge that is light in colour without any of the pain, swelling or redness, don’t worry. This is just natural sebum which is normal and healthy.  

Do You Have Nickel Allergy Symptoms? Take This Short Quiz

If you do think your piercing is infected, you should go and see a doctor as a precaution as they may wish to prescribe you antibiotics depending on how serious the infection is. They may also suggest that you bathe your ear in hot, salty water as it can soothe the pain and encourage it to heal faster. 

Just like infections, an irritated piercing can cause pain, swelling and redness. But it shouldn’t cause the horrible discharge that comes with an infection. Other symptoms of irritation include a solid (non-fluid filled) lump around the hole or some slight peeling. 

There are countless ways that a piercing can become irritated but they more or less have one thing in common: physical trauma. This could be anything from accidentally knocking it with your hairbrush, overcleaning it, playing with it, sleeping on it or anything else that would put pressure on your piercing.

Nickel Allergy Factsheet

If you can find out what’s caused the irritation and stop doing it, chances are the symptoms will disappear on their own. Although again a warm salt water soak will help soothe the pain. Just don't over do it! 

Allergic reactions are caused when your body rejects something. In this case it could be the metal used in your piercing or something in the cleaning solution you’re using. You can identify an allergic reaction by a rash, itchiness and redness. And if it’s an allergic reaction to the metal, the skin might pull away from the jewellery. The symptoms will also appear very soon after being pierced rather than a few days later.  

How

You are more likely to experience an allergic reaction to metals like gold and silver than you are with hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel. Which is why we recommend always getting pierced with implant grade titanium studs, then moving to a stainless steel stud as an everyday wear.

Allergies And Ears

We have a 100% happiness guarantee, in the unlikely event you have a reaction, or simply don't like the earrings after trying on you can send back for a refund.

If you are ever in doubt about what is causing your piercing to flare up, you should see a doctor for a full diagnosis. You receive a gift, one in a small box, wrapped beautifully with a large sparkly bow. Opening it you have feelings of anticipation, and you slowly open the box and it is a beautiful pair of thoughtful earrings. You know how special they will make you feel when worn. If you are with metal sensitivities it is sometimes difficult to receive a beautiful pair of earrings – knowing the irritation they cause your ears. You think to yourself – how do I explain this to my loved one? So instead maybe you wear them for a few hours and then remove them later.

Nickel

Many individuals struggle with this sensitivity to metals. One of the most common irritants is nickel; it is a common ingredient in jewelry as it is strong and inexpensive. Some of the common symptoms of a nickel sensitivity or allergy include rashes, itching, blistering, dry patchy skin, or reddened skin around the contact areas.

How To Treat Infected Ear Piercings, According To Derms

Caring for your piercing at the start is very important to ensure less sensitivity and issues later. Make sure you choose a stud that is hypoallergenic and nickel-free for the initial piercing. Get this done by medical professionals who know what's safe on the skin. Rowan partners with nurses to complete ear piercings. They pierce with nickel free earrings, medical-grade sterilized starter studs and ensure that aftercare instructions are understood by all those they pierce.

Caring for your new piercing is essential for proper healing. Before attending to the piercing, make sure you wash your hands and then clean the piercing using Rowan’s ear cleaning solution 2-3 times daily. A lobe piercing needs to be cared for in this manner for six weeks and cartilage piercing for 12 weeks. All Rowan earrings are a perfect choice for the piercing as they comprise of sterilized medical-grade stainless steel or 14K gold earrings. 

Help

Many people with nickel sensitivities often limit themselves to a few pairs of high-quality earrings. After the initial healing period is complete, choosing nickel-free options is easy when you shop at Rowan . Their earrings are seasonally designed, being on-trend with the latest styles, and made from hypoallergenic materials. 

Signs That You Are Having An Allergic Reaction To Your New Piercing

Whether you are a gold or silver wearer, they have you covered. All of their earrings are either made from stainless steel or gold vermeil, which is the highest standard for gold-coated jewelry. It holds a base metal of sterling silver dipped in a thick layer of 14k Gold to give you the look you want without sacrificing ear care.

With the rising trend of ear stacks, choosing different earrings for each piercing is no longer a hard effort. An easy and affordable way to build your collection or choose a gift for your loved one is a Rowan Subscription box. Each Rowan box contains a pair of stainless steel or gold vermeil earrings, your choice. The December box includes beautiful snowflake earrings – which are cute enough for a young girl or classy enough for a grown adult.

Jewelry

Taking simple yet effective steps to protect your ears allows your personality to shine through despite your nickel allergy. The choice to pierce is a personal one, but make the best choice and choose a trained professional to complete your piercing. Rowan jewelry is special, safe, made to last, and a perfect addition to sensitive and non-sensitive wearers alike. Build your earring wardrobe quickly by becoming a subscriber to the monthly earring box. Remain fierce out there –  do not let that nickel allergy hold you back. You got this!

The Piercing Keloid: Earlobe Keloids And Cartilage Keloids