Swollen ear lobes

[Smiley]

I'd love to be able to wear nice, stylish earrings, but as soon as I put a pair in, my ear lobes become red, get swollen, go purple, and finally start to bleed from the pierced holes. I've tried to wear them only for a few minutes, thet still get irritated. I've tried keeping them in for days, to see if I can get used to them, but the result is always painful. What can I do to be able to wear earrings?!

[brawburd]

I have same problem and sometimes the skin at the back of my ears and onto my neck has broken out.  After years of pain and then futile attempts with coating stuff, I eventually found an answer which is a bit fiddly but works!  Buy a few sterling silver ear-ring posts from a jewellers or craft shop, and remove the posts on the fashion ear-rings you buy.  Doesn't work for them all but does for 99%.

[Hgrove]

I knew someone who had a nickel allergy.  She used to buy fashion jewellery from a catalogue, and also held jewellery parties at her place;  I went to a few.  Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the catalogue.  I think what you describe sounds like what she used to get if she wore metal next to her skin.

[jills]

definitely sounds like you have a nickel allergy at least.  I'm allergic to lots of metals, so all my watches have to be stainless steel on all parts that touch the skin, and if earrings are not of a high gold purity, they will irritate nmy ears after only a short while.  Silver is much better I find (as it is solid silver mostly) but fashion earrings are just pointless...my ears end up looking awful.

[nanner]

I would follow the advice from above,,,I had the same problem,,sterling silver did the trick,,,just be aware that some of the posts that may come with the earring, may not be sterling silver,,,so make sure you ask, if your getting them at a high quality place chances are they will be.  If you do find a pair however that the back isnt right, you can buy backs that are actually made out of plastic,or rubber I'm not really sure but they are clear and work well.  Also before you put them in you can coat them with a dab of oinment like you would use under a bandage,,over the counter stuff.  That will help the holes to heal a bit faster, and some have pain reliever added in. If you can't get that right away, in a bind I use Vasaline.

[angel2005]

you will just have to stay out of the way of the cheaper jewellery. i have the same problem with braclets to, try real gold tey are more expensive but will last and hopefully not irratate your skin. i dont wear gold and found that sterling silver ones are fine. just male sure they are nickle free and not gold or silver plated. good luck with them. xx

[klinedancer]

it sometimes helps if you coat the part thats touching your skin with clear nail varnish

[5029]

Stick to gold and silver earrings, or at least posts

[tlcearrings]

try tlcearrings! Our earrings are made of plastic!
www.tlcearrings.com