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I've had pierced ears for nearly 20 years, and I've always had problems wearing earrings, be it gold, surgical steel, stainless steel - whatever. I find I can wear some earrings longer than others, but ultimately it ends up where I'm taking them out because my ears start to itch, turn red or "leak" - yuck.
Any idea what is causing this, or anything I can do to eliminate these symptoms?
In Reply to: Pierced Ear problems posted by Gina [33.33] on December 02, 2003 at 14:14:40:
Metal allergy. Allergies frequently turn up in ear area, even when a bracelet or ring may not bother you.
I have the exact same problem as you -- all metals, even pure gold, do this to my ears. Nickel is the WORST!
In Reply to: Re: Pierced Ear problems posted by Renee [1011.653] on December 02, 2003 at 14:19:18:
That stinks! I had the same problem on my ring finger when I first started wearing my engagement ring, but eventually, the problem went away. I guess the skin on my hand got used to having something next to it. Too bad my ears can't do the same!
In Reply to: Pierced Ear problems posted by Gina [33.33] on December 02, 2003 at 14:14:40:
one approach to metal allergy is to use clear nail polish. I know it works on the inside of a ring ( let it dry before wearing. I never tried it with earrings, but paint the posts and the earring backs with clear nail polish , let it dry completely so it's smooth, not tacky, and try wearing them.
Another thing to try would be coating the posts with vitamin e oil or antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly before putting them on- this would make a layer between the skin in the hole and the post, and maybe prevent your skin there from contacting or absorbing the irritant.
In Reply to: Re: Pierced Ear problems posted by just give me a number [1003.516] on December 02, 2003 at 15:59:42:
Good suggestions! The clear nail polish is the one I employ, and it works very well. My ears react to clip earrings as well, so I have to coat those too.....
In Reply to: Pierced Ear problems posted by Gina [33.33] on December 02, 2003 at 14:14:40:
Hi, Gina.
The best way I know of to start a "hypersensitive cascade" (a common insult that begins serious allergies) is piercings. It may be too late to stop this with the nail polish but it might be worth trying.
Remember that early in the cascade your system will see the nail polish at just another thing to become sensitive to.
Let us know how you do.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Pierced Ear problems (the hypertensive cascade) Archive. posted by Walt Stoll [9.8] on December 03, 2003 at 07:53:54:
Why do piercings cause a hypersensitive cascade? Is this related to how close someone is to the "edge of the cliff," or does it happen anyway?
In Reply to: Re: Pierced Ear problems posted by just give me a number [1003.516] on December 02, 2003 at 15:59:42:
nmi
In Reply to: Pierced Ear problems posted by Gina [33.33] on December 02, 2003 at 14:14:40:
Whoa! Clear nail polish and vaseline?! The dark ages
of piercing! I am a professional piercer and member of
the Association of Professional Piercers. A few things
to clear up:
- Of all the metals commonly used in piercing, gold is
not really a good choice unless you know you have no
sensitivities. Gold "karat" only tells you the value of the
metal not the contents of the alloy. Most gold alloys
contain nickel. Jewelrs know nothing about "implant
grade" metals, metals tested and approved to remain
in the body.
- Most so called "surgical steel" on the market is not
implant grade and is not approved for use in the body.
The reason that shady piercing shops and jewelry
stores can do this is because the term "surgical steel"
means nothing. "316L", as is sometimes marked, is
not implant grade, just a family of metals. Implant
grade surgical steel is something to brag about and
hence is always clearly marked 316LVM ASTM F-138.
- While implant grade s. steel is ok for most people
some individuals will see irritation or slow healing of
the piercing. The statistically superior implant grade
metals on the market are ASTM F-136 Titanium and
pure Platinum. While 24k pure gold is technically
implant grade, it is too soft for most applications.
- Even though I have no metal sensitivities, I try to stick
with implant grade materials for my own piercings.
There is speculation about the long-term toxicity of
many alloys. I have seen many clients suddenly
develop metal sensitivities after years of wearing
non-implant grade jewelry, presumably because of
metal absorption and eventual toxicity.
I hope all this makes sense and helps. I would be
pleased to assist with any other piercing queries.
In Reply to: Pierced Ear problems posted by Gina [33.33] on December 02, 2003 at 14:14:40:
I have never been able to tolerate earrings and gave it up long ago. Try clip-ons!
In Reply to: Re: Pierced Ear problems (the hypertensive cascade) Archive. posted by Carol D. [634.155] on December 03, 2003 at 09:27:45:
Hi, Carol D.
A good imunologist might be able to explain this to you but, to my knowledge, it is common knowledge that it is true but the how is still under debate.
My guess is that the closer to the edge of the cliff one is the more likely it is that the bodymind would "choose" this pathway.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Pierced Ear problems posted by Pierre [1292.229] on December 03, 2003 at 11:30:32:
Thanks, Pierre.
Excellent information. The only reason this is not common knowledge is that most people will not react even if they used a rusty nail.
Walt
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