Caution The Byword In Ear Piercing By Jerry Resler As pierced earrings become increasingly popular, some people are discovering that having their ears pierced can result in considerably more than they bargained for. Some people who have their ears pierced develop a sensitivity afterwards type of dermatitis or skin irritation often referred to as nickel allergy. The symptoms vary but often include itching, redness, soreness, a rash, some swelling, flaking or "weeping" from the spot where the ear was pierced. For the most part, it's a minor irritation but one that can become serious if people who have the allergy continue to wear earrings made of metals that aggravate their condition and don't practice hygiene. A person who develops a nickel allergy also may become sensitive to any jewelry containing nickel. The result is that simply wearing a wristwatch, necklace or bracelet may produce the same symptoms on other parts of the body. Some people even start itching at the spot where a nickel-plated button on a pair of jeans comes in contact with their skin, according to dermatologist Derek Cripps. Having your ears pierced isn't the only way to develop a nickel allergy but it can make you more susceptible to developing such an allergy. There is no way to ensure that you won't develop a nickel allergy if you have your ears pierced, but there are certain steps to take that can lessen your chances. Cripps said the best way to prevent trouble is to "avoid cheap jewelry." That type of jewelry usually contains a higher concentration of nickel. Cripps is head of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin - Madison Medical School. It is especially important, according to Cripps and others, to avoid wearing any kind of earrings containing nickel until your ears are healed after piercing. That period varies, but usually is four to six weeks. Cleaning the ears and earrings regularly also is important, particularly until the ears have healed. This reduces the risk of infection. However, a few topical antiseptic solutions commonly used to cleanse the ear after piercing actually contribute to the problem, Cripps said. Some people, for example, have a sensitivity to neomycin, an antibiotic commonly used in such solutions. Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can be used as substitutes, Cripps said. In an attempt to avoid the nickel problem, many people turn to so-called "hypoallergenic jewelry." Although such jewelry can help, both Cripps and Vance Borum, the owner of a Milwaukee jewelry firm that also sells ear-piercing equipment to retailers, advised consumers to be leery of the term. Such jewelry sometimes is nothing more than a thin layer of gold over nickel and the gold may wear off or corrode in time, Cripps said. Or, as Borum pointed out, the weld on a "hypoallergenic" earring may contain a high concentration of nickel. The method used to pierce ears has improved through the years. A spring-loaded gun is generally used for piercing today, Borum said. The gun pierces the ear and inserts a special earring in one painless step. The special earrings are commonly referred to as "starter studs," Borum said, and are made of surgical stainless steel with 24kt gold plating to reduce the likelihood of problems. Generally, gold, platinum and sterling silver earrings are considered safe, as are those with surgical stainless steel posts. The post is the part of the earring inserted through the ear lobe. One item that has become popular in recent years is a plastic sleeve that fits over the post on a pierced earring so the metal doesn't touch the skin, Borum said. "My experience is that people don't ask enough questions when they buy earrings," Borum said. "If they have a sensitivity to certain metals, they should tell the sales clerk and ask questions about the earrings." -MILWAUKEE SENTINEL, July 31,1985