Ear Piercing Can Cause Onset Of Eczema
Although it is usually safe if performed under sanitary conditions, there have been cases where ear piercing led to an outbreak of eczema. There are numerous reasons why this might occur.
A common irritant responsible for eczema associated with ear piercing is nickel. Nearly six percent of all Americans are allergic to nickel, making the silver white metal the second most common cause of allergic skin rashes. The incidence of nickel sensitivity among women is higher than for men. Since many types of earrings contain nickel, a pierced ear could easily result in an eczema breakout if the nickel based metals are used the earrings or instruments that were used to pierce the ears.
Another reason why ear piercing sometimes causes eczema is that many people are allergic to latex and most people who perform ear piercings wear rubber gloves for sanitary reasons. Latex reactions were rarely reported prior to 1970 but increasing numbers of reports since the late 1980s have led scientists to believe that increased exposure to latex products in recent years has caused people to become sensitized. Many people do not have any idea they are allergic to latex until they notice symptoms of eczema appear on the areas of their skin which came into contact with latex. Because of the increased occurrences of latex allergies, other types of gloves have been developed that contain materials other than latex.
Pediatricians have varying opinions on the safety of ear piercing in young children. If a child has healthy skin then the pediatrician might give their approval. However, if the child shows any signs of allergies, eczema or is prone to infections then the child should not have their ears pierced because it is simply not worth the risk.
Before you decide get your ears pierced, check your ears for any signs of unhealthy conditions. Do not proceed if the ear is inflamed, sore, or shows symptoms of acne or eczema. Obtain the approval of your doctor for ear piercing if you suffer from diabetes, epilepsy, hypertension, heart disease or hemophilia.
Ear piercing is usually performed under a local anesthetic to reduce pain and discomfort. The instruments used to pierce the ears should be sterile and the person doing the piercing should wear gloves because infection is one of the biggest complications associated with ear piercing.
People with facial eczema or who are prone to frequent outbreaks of eczema should think long and hard before having their ears pierced. While the fashion statement associated with pierced ears may be important to people it can become decidedly diluted when eczema’s red rash appears on the ears and face.
Glossary:
Nickel: A type of metal that causes allergic reactions in some people.