Treatment And Prevention William M. Hendricks, M.D., Asheboro, NC Today, ear piercing, sometimes with two or more pairs of earrings, is very popular especially among adolescents and young adults. In fact, in some ethnic groups, earrings may be inserted by relatives in the groups, neonatal period. Although there are few serious risks associated with ear piercing, the incidence of complications following ear piercing is quite high. The frequency of complications, however, does not appear to differ significantly with the medical qualifications of the person performing the procedure or the technique used. Many of these complications can be prevented if simple guidelines are followed.
Ear piercing using nickel-alloyed studs or clasps causes considerable risk of nickel sensitization.
In the United States nickel sensitivity is ten times more common in women than in men, probably because of women's increased exposure to nickel, especially in jewelry. Since more men at this time are wearing jewelry and having their ears pierced, the incidence of nickel allergy among men will probably increase. Fischer et al found that all studs and clasps, even those made of stainless steel, released some nickel, although the almost poreless surface of stainless steel prevented most iron and nickel from being released. Contact dermatitis induced by gold has also been described, but is rare due to the insolubility of gold in bodily secretions. The insertion of gold earrings into recently pierced ears greatly increases the chance of gold sensitization.