23 Jul Why do my ears itch when I wear certain earrings?
Nickel is a leading cause of allergic contact dermatitis and it is likely that your earrings contain an amount of nickel in them. Nickel is a silver-coloured metal that is mixed with other metals to make coins, jewellery, eyeglass frames, home fixtures, keys and other common items.38 It is the most common metal that people are allergic to.38 In people allergic to it, nickel causes an itchy red rash.
More women than men have an allergy to nickel and this is probably because more women have pierced ears compared to men. Research has shown that one of the most common risk factors for a nickel allergy is body piercing.38 If you have a nickel allergy, make sure that all your jewellery is nickel free. If you have to wear something with nickel in it, make sure that there is a barrier between the item and your skin (clothing for example).38 If you do develop a rash, speak to your Pharmacist or Doctor who will recommend a treatment for you.