Common Causes of Itchy Ears from Earrings
It's not unusual for your ears to feel irritated or itchy after wearing earrings. The piercing and jewelry can irritate the sensitive skin of the ear canal and lobe. However, persistent itchiness can indicate an underlying skin condition or allergy.
Metal Allergies
Nickel is a common metal used in cheap jewelry that can trigger allergic skin reactions. The nickel ions released by the metal can cause redness, swelling, bumps, and severe itchiness in those with metal allergies.
Gold, silver, titanium, and surgical steel are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Switching to hypoallergenic earrings may ease the itchiness.
Earlobe Tears and Infection
Wearing heavy earrings can place excess strain on piercings, leading to tearing and injury. These wounds can become red, swollen, and intensely itchy as they heal.
Tears and wounds are also at high risk for developing bacterial or fungal ear infections. The infection causes inflammation, pus, tenderness and itchiness in and around the piercing.
Skin Conditions
Eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and other inflammatory skin diseases can crop up on the earlobes and inside the ear canals, causing flaky, cracked, red and unbearably itchy skin.
Allergens, weather changes and stress can trigger flare ups of these conditions. The metal and snug fit of earrings may worsen the irritation.
Treatments for Itchy Ears from Earrings
Address Infection
An antibiotic or antifungal ear drop from your doctor may be needed to clear up an infected piercing. Be sure to finish the entire course of treatment to prevent recurrence.
While treating the infection, remove the earrings and clean the area daily with a saline wound wash. Do not re-insert earrings until the infection has resolved.
Allergy Testing
See an allergy specialist if you suspect metal is the culprit behind your itchy, irritated ears. Patch testing can identify the specific metals that trigger allergic reactions.
Once identified, avoid cheap jewelry and accessories that contain nickel, cobalt and other common metal allergens. Opt for hypoallergenic metals like surgical steel, titanium and niobium instead.
Topical Steroids
Your doctor may prescribe a topical corticosteroid cream or ointment to reduce inflammation and ease irritation from eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis flare ups.
Use the medicated cream sparingly and only on problem areas. Long term or excessive use can cause skin damage and thinning.
Prevention Tips
Proper Piercing Aftercare
Follow piercing aftercare instructions closely after getting newly pierced ears. Gently clean piercings daily using saline wound wash and pat dry with disposable paper towels.
Avoid touching, rotating or removing earrings until the 6-8 week healing period has ended. This helps prevent infection, tearing and complication that can lead to itchiness.
Quality Earrings
Invest in good quality earrings made of hypoallergenic metals like solid 14k or 18k gold, titanium, niobium or surgical steel. Quality metals are less likely irritate sensitive piercings.
Avoid nickel and cheap jewelry, especially when still healing a new piercing. The nickel ions can cause severe allergic reactions and dermatitis.
Moisturize Skin
Moisturize earlobes and the skin around piercings daily with fragrance free lotions and creams. Micro-tears and dry, cracked skin is more prone to infection and itchiness when wearing earrings.
Opt for gentle, soothing products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid and oatmeal. These can ease inflammation and hydrate sensitive skin.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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