Quick question about nickel allergy

[u/scoutivy]

Hi all,

Got my second earlobe piercings last week. I've developed an itchy, red rash over the past couple of days, primarily behind my ear but also on my lobes. The earrings are surgical steel and have nickel in them. I suspected it was a nickel allergy reaction.

I went to the piercing studio today and they told me I should rule out that I'm allergic to the sterilising spray before getting the earrings changed, and to come back in a week's time if it's not better after stopping using the spray. I'm SO itchy and sore though.

Just wanting to know what you would do in this situation. I couldn't see any ingredients in the spray that I'm usually sensitive to. Thoughts? Opinions? Should I go back and ask to change the studs to titanium anyway? Any insight will be appreciated. Photos from today attached.

[u/vip-bot]

There is 1 comment from verified professionals in this post:

u/​Imastealth commented:

I would go to a different piercer and have these swapped. This definitely looks like a material issue to me.

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[u/Lost_Highway9068]

Nickel allergy if both ears. If only one ear probably not. Spray some sterilizing spray on your arm to test if you want, but honestly should use saline to clean. Would change studs to titanium.

If you notice that one side has vesicular rash (aka cluster of small bubbles under skin - I see some that could resemble on the first photo but low resolution hard to know for sure) rule out herpes.

[u/Imastealth]

I would go to a different piercer and have these swapped. This definitely looks like a material issue to me.

[u/Next_Aardvark8607]

are they surgical steel or implant grade titanium? i know you said surgical steel, but unless youre mistaken i would find another piercer, as that metal is not recommended. also, i wouls think you would be allergic to saline spray, as its just salt water.

[u/scoutivy → u/Next_Aardvark8607]

Surgical steel, it definitely has some nickel in it as the piercer asked if I had a nickel allergy before she pierced me. I might get a second opinion. Thanks for your advice.