Earrings for "Sensitive" Ears

My daughter has problems with earrings. She has had to close her ears 3 times in the past due to infections from earring sensitivity. The problem does not present itself until she takes out her starter earrings and wears regular ones.

She had her ears piereced a few months ago, and we have yet to take out her starter earrings because we are afraid of what will happen. I used to have similar problems wih my ears and finally outgrew the problem when I had my ears repierced in my 30's.

I think she would benefit from hoops or small dangles that allow air to get around her earring holes. She is insisting on "following the rules" (for the first time in her life). Her paperwork specifically said not to wear hoops or dangles for the first 12 months for risk of stretching out the ear holes--but I think if we pick out light weight earrings, this wont be a problem.

In the past, we have tried 14k and even 18k gold, and her ears still got infected. Her starter earings right now are "stainless steel" posts. I know it's supposed to be the nickle in the metal that people are sensitive to. I've also heard of surgical steel posts, but not sure where to find them?

You guys have any suggestions or guidance for me? Thanks!

17 years ago

Dawn

(website)

Active Member

I have the same trouble with my ear piercings as well- generally I try to use 100% sterling silver earrings- not ridiculously pricey and I have never had a reaction to them. It's not just the post on earrings that is important, it's also the clutch at the back that can cause reactions as sometimes they are a nickel/ silver mixture.

Ana

Veteran

Surgical stainless steel can sometimes be found at Claire's. It will say so on the card or package. I've seen them in various places that sell nicer costume jewelry too--try Nordstrom, or Macy's (you actually might have a lot of luck at Macy's).

Kyle

I have the same problem. It can happen with cheap or expensive earrings. I THINK it is the nickel, but I am not 100% sure. Try Simply Whispers. http://www.simplywhispers.com

I've also found earrings at Dillard's that are labeled Nickel-Free for Sensitive Ears.

Good luck!

Antje

Also try putting clear nail polish on the part of the earrings that go in the ear. That often takes care of any sensitivity.

BLB

Try a place that does body piercing or that sells body jewelry. Body jewelry is usually surgical steel. You might find something there that would work. Those places usually have a lot of "hard core" type jewelry, but sometimes they have the odd pretty piece too. Worth a try.

Even better: a search for "surgical steel earrings" on etsy brought up 88 pages of results! There are hoops, studs, dangles... everything! I heart etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/search_res.....l+earrings

Search for "surgical steel hoop earrings":
http://www.etsy.com/search_res.....p+earrings

carissa

i suggest putting your daughter in a french clasp earring. i am nervous about my ears (fatty lobes - ha) and my mom had to have her ears re-pierced because the original holes grew too big, so i'm very careful to wear the lightest of weight earrings. small, yet dangly is easy to find in this style, although may be more expensive. the good thing is they don't get lost as easily.

i purchased these:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....rchresults
and never remember i'm even wearing them.

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