Children’s Jewelry Allergies

You are not alone if the cutest new kid’s jewelry you bought or received as a gift for your child seems to be causing her an allergic reaction. If your child is allergic to certain metals, the allergic reaction will most clearly manifest itself when she is wearing earrings or rings. The reason for this is that earrings and rings hug the skin more tightly than bracelets and necklaces do. Sometimes skin will become irritated because it can’t breathe due to earrings or rings that are too tight. But most often, if the skin is becoming itchy, red, or irritated, a metal allergy is the culprit.

To avoid allergic reactions, it is recommended to buy baby jewelry and kid’s jewelry that is gold or sterling silver. A great online source for fine children’s jewelry is The Jewelry Vine at thejewelryvine the most common type of gold jewelry for babies and children is 14 carat gold. This means that there are 14 parts gold in the gold alloy with 10 parts of other metals. In 18 carat gold, which is more expensive because there is more gold in the alloy, there are 6 parts of other metals in the alloy. When your baby or child seems to be allergic to gold earrings, it is most likely from the other metals in the alloy, and not the gold. Try an 18K gold pair of earrings before you give up on gold entirely.

Most children however can tolerate gold earrings and rings with no reaction. You may find that your daughter can tolerate yellow gold jewelry but not white gold jewelry, or vice versa. This may be because of the difference in the alloy. The alloy may contain small amounts of nickel or copper and your child may be allergic to one of them.

Sterling silver jewelry is also fine jewelry and due to its cheaper price point, it a very popular metal for today’s children’s jewelry. Many children can wear silver jewelry successfully with no irritation but keep an eye on your daughter’s skin to make sure irritation does not result. One of the reasons silver is being worn successfully by young children today is that many manufacturers are using rhodium to plate the silver. Rhodium plating not only prevents tarnishing, but it also provides a hypoallergenic barrier.

A good way to avoid irritation and infection is to have a few pairs of earrings for your child, and to interchange them every so often. Clean and disinfect earring posts and backings too. Hold onto the earring solution you are given when you get your daughter’s ears pierced and use it to clean around the piercing hole and the earring.

If irritation does result, use the solution to see if you can clear it up. If it progresses or becomes infected, consult with your pediatrician. Newly pierced ears will close up however if an earring is not kept in the piercing hole. Until the irritation or infection passes, you may find it helpful to alternate with a different pair or style of earrings. For example, you may want to try a hoop earring or lever back which leaves more room for the skin to breathe than a stud with a backing that pushes right up against the skin.

If you find your baby is sensitive to the metals in baby jewelry, it is best to avoid wearing it altogether and see if she can tolerate it when she gets older.