Your favorite pair of inexpensive earrings may cause your earlobes to start to burn, itch and break out in a rash, otherwise known as contact dermatitis. You may have an allergy to nickel or another metal found in the earring posts or backing. The most common metals that cause a rash and allergic reaction are nickel, chrome and mercury. According to the Nature website, gold and silver can cause allergic reactions in rare cases.
Nickel Allergy
Nickel allergies are one of the most common metal allergies, according to MayoClinic.com. The primary symptoms are rash, itching, redness and, in severe cases, bumps and blisters. Costume jewelry, belt buckles, bra hooks, braces, crowns and dentures can contain nickel, causing painful rashes in and around the mouth. If you have developed a nickel allergy, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology advises you to tell your dentist.
Chrome Allergy
Chrome is another common metal that can cause a rash. Chrome-plated medical devices, including implants, can cause allergic reactions. Chrome plating contains nickel, so most rashes from jewelry or other chrome-plated metal items are actually nickel allergies, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Construction workers can have skin rashes from handling cement containing dichromate. Cosmetics, leather, paints and tattoo ink can also contain chrome or chrome derivatives and cause allergic reactions.
Risk Factors
The more body and ear piercings you have, especially if you wear jewelry containing nickel while the piercing is healing, the more you increase your chance of contact dermatitis, according to MayoClinic.com. People who are regularly exposed to metal and moisture on the job, including bartenders, domestic cleaners and hairdressers, may be more likely to develop an allergic reaction. A 2007 report in Nature indicated that bacterial infections may trigger metal allergies.
Treatment
There is no cure for nickel or any other type of metal allergy. Avoiding the allergic metal is the best way to prevent future rashes. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream treats most mild rashes. Oral antihistamines may relieve itching, according to MayoClinic.com. Traditional remedies such as calamine lotion and wet compresses soaked in Burow's solution may also relieve itching and promote healing.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Nickel Allergy; October 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Dermatology; Dermatitis; Steven Ehrlich; March 2010
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology; Two Cents About Nickel; Stuart Friedman; February 2011
- "Nature.com"; Infections may trigger metal allergies; Matt Kaplan; May 2007
- "Dermnet.NZ"; Chrome Allergy; Vanessa Ngan; April 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Nickel Allergy; Risk Factors; October 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Nickel Allergy; Lifestyle and Home Remedies; October 2010
