We get piercings because we want these shining pieces of jewelry to enhance our daily look. With a plethora of earring types and styles available, the selection process can be exciting. However, for individuals with skin allergies, finding the ideal earrings for sensitive ears can be challenging.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, the quest for the perfect pair of earrings should be enjoyable rather than a chore. Knowing what to look for is the key. Here are some tips and tricks on how to discover the best earrings for sensitive ears.
Why do some people experience sensitivity in their ears?
Many people are allergic to copper or nickle and earrings made from low-quality or cheap materials may contain impurities or allergens that can irritate the skin. Besides, if the ear piercing is not done using sterile equipment or proper technique, and failure to clean earrings regularly or sterilize piercings can increase the risk of irritation and infection.
What are the Best Earrings for Sensitive Ears?
Earrings that are best for sensitive ears are usually crafted from hypoallergenic materials. Given that a nickel allergy is a common cause of sensitive ears, the initial step is to steer clear of earrings with nickel in the posts. Some earrings are labeled as hypoallergenic because their posts, containing nickel, but are coated with another material. However, this coating can wear off over time, and frequent use might still cause irritation to your ears. Here are six types of metal we recommend for choosing as safe materials for earrings.
- Titanium Earrings:
Titanium is hypoallergenic and generally well-tolerated by those with sensitive ears.
- Sterling Silver Earrings:
Opting for high-quality sterling silver, composed of 92.5% pure silver, is a reliable and safe choice for those seeking earrings suitable for sensitive ears.
- Gold Earrings (14k or higher):
Pure gold is hypoallergenic, so earrings made of 14k gold or higher are generally suitable.
- Platinum Earrings:
Platinum used in jewelry is typically 95% pure, which reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions. And platinum is a chemically inert metal, meaning it doesn’t react easily with other elements or substances. In contrast to certain metals, platinum exhibits a remarkable resistance to oxidation and tarnishing when exposed to air or moisture.
Surgical stainless steel is hypoallergenic and are good for sensitive ears because they don’t easily rust or tarnish. They typically have low nickel a common cause of allergies. They’re durable, easy to clean, and affordable, can be a good choice for everyday wear.
- Niobium Earrings:
Niobium can resistant to corrosion, lightweight. It is known for its biocompatibility, meaning it is generally well-tolerated by the human body.
What Kinds of Earrings are Good for Sensitive Ears?
Stud earrings, which have a simple and secure design with a small front and a back, are often a good choice. Their minimalistic design helps lower the likelihood of irritation when compared to more intricate styles.
- Small and Lightweight earrings:
Small and lightweight earrings (huggie earrings ) can minimize the pressure on the earlobe and reduce the likelihood of discomfort.
What Kinds of Earrings You Should Avoid?
Individuals with sensitive ears should avoid sharp edges, heavy earrings, and those with coatings that may wear off over time. By making informed choices about the materials and design of earrings, you can enjoy stylish accessories without compromising comfort or skin health.
What Kinds of Earrings Backings are Suitable for Sensitive Ears?
People with sensitive ears have several suitable options for earring backings that prioritize comfort and minimize the risk of irritation. Backings such as screw-on, flat disc, latch, omega, silicone, hinged hoops, threaded screw, and lever backs offer secure closures and even pressure distribution.
For beauty and safety, it is necessary to keep your ears and the earrings clean, avoid moisture and chemicals. Lastly, it’s a good idea to wear your favorite earrings for short periods. Wearing any jewelry for a long time can make skin irritation worse. So, make sure to give your ears breaks often to help them recover.