Why does wearing earrings cause itching?

Generally, itching caused by wearing earrings may be due to factors such as irritation from earring materials, improper cleaning of the ear piercing, contact dermatitis, ear eczema, or suppurative perichondritis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Earring material irritation: Some earrings contain allergenic components such as nickel or copper, which may trigger local irritation reactions upon skin contact, leading to itching. Choosing earrings made of pure gold, pure silver, or medical-grade titanium alloy, and disinfecting them with alcohol before wearing can help reduce irritation.

2. Improper ear piercing hygiene: Sweat, sebum, and dirt can accumulate around the piercing site and surrounding skin. If not cleaned regularly, this buildup can irritate the skin and cause itching. Gently wash the pierced area daily with warm water and clean it with sterile cotton swabs, keeping the piercing and surrounding skin dry and clean.

3. Contact dermatitis: Often triggered by an allergic reaction to earring materials, this condition may present with symptoms such as localized redness, papules, and itching. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine syrup, or ebastine tablets, and discontinue use of the offending earrings.

4. Ear eczema: Associated with allergies or humid environments, this condition causes symptoms including itching, erythema, and blisters around the ear piercing and surrounding skin. Patients should use prescribed topical treatments such as hydrocortisone butyrate cream, desonide cream, or mometasone furoate cream. Wearing loose, breathable earrings and avoiding friction on affected areas is also recommended.

5. Suppurative perichondritis: Usually caused by bacterial infection, early symptoms include itching at the piercing site, progressing to redness, swelling, pain, and pus discharge as the condition worsens. Patients should take antibiotics such as cefradine capsules, amoxicillin capsules, or azithromycin dispersible tablets under medical supervision to control the infection.

When wearing earrings in daily life, choose certified products purchased from reputable sources and avoid frequently touching the piercing or earrings with hands. If discomfort occurs at the piercing site, do not squeeze or prick it yourself, as this may worsen symptoms.