Am I allergic to my earrings?

Question

I have had my ears pierced for many years (more than 10) within the past year I have begun to find little pieces of stuff around my earrings like the stuff you get in your eyes. They don't itch but they constantly feel wet under the earring. I am not wearing "cheap" earrings,I am still wearing piercing studs and/or 10k gold, neither of which have I had a problem with before this started.
I have even gone back to using the antiseptic they suggested when I got my ears pierced so many years ago.

Answer 1

since our body chemistry changes as we age...yes you are probably now allergic to the gold...I use to have to wear gold only, but now if I wear it...my body chemicals will turn the post orange

Answer 2

you can actually buy hypo allergenic earring that are made of surgical grade stainless steel. Generally most jewelry will contain enough impurities to effect those with a sensitive body chemistry.

I had the same problem and have to wear hypo allergenic earrings, this did develop until years after the initial piercing.

Answer 3

I've never had my ears pierced: Visions of babies and assorted pets grabbing at the dangly things sort of discouraged that. But I have heard that a lot of people are or can become allergic to the rhodium finish that is used on a lot of jewelry.

Answer 4

Try using plastic or nylon studs for a while and then go back to surgical steel or 14 carat gold. Dipping the posts in alcohol before inserting them, has helped me.

Answer 5

Try at least 14 kt gold and wash ear lobe with rubbing alcohol, also, use "airier" earrings, like small dangly ones rather than studs.

Answer 6

I had the same problem...you should make sure your metal is real or get the sensative kind. The sell them at most beauty stores like Claire's and such.