How do I Keep Earring Backs From Changing Colors & Causing Ear Rash?

Protect your earrings from oxidation with a few simple steps.

Discoloration of earrings and earring backs is a common problem. Unless your jewelry is made from top-of-the-line material, such as gold or surgical steel, there is a potential for discoloration and skin rash (possibly due to a nickel allergy). Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to prevent oxidation of metal earring backs. These steps are also helpful in preventing flaking of low-grade plating on jewelry, resulting in earrings that look flawless longer. Follow these steps to keep your earrings and skin in top condition.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper or a scrap of cloth
• Clear nail polish
• Acetone-based nail polish remover
• Cotton swabs
• Tweezers

Instructions

1. Protect your work surface. Lay newspaper or cloth that you won't mind throwing away if it becomes stained.

2. Remove the backs from your earrings and arrange safely in the center of the workspace.

   It is a good idea to organize your workspace by arranging the backs directly beneath their earrings; the gauge of the pins in each earring may be slightly larger or smaller than your other pairs.

3. Pick up one back at a time with tweezers and apply a thin coat of clear nail polish to each earring back. Paint all parts of the earring that touch your skin.

4. Apply a second coat once the first is dry. Allow each coat to dry for two to five minutes.

5. Poke the earring pins through their corresponding holes in the earring backs to ensure that the hole has not been sealed with polish. Dip a cotton swab in the nail polish remover to dab any earring backs in which the earring pins will not puncture.

6. Repeat this process every third time you wear the earrings. This will ensure that any polish rubbed off during wear is replaced, keeping your skin protected and rash-free.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint a coat or two of clear polish over the entire surface of your jewelry to prevent flaking of low-grade metallic coating. Refresh this process whenever you treat the earring backs.

• If a skin rash persists, stop wearing your jewelry and contact a doctor.

References

• American Osteopathic College of Dermatology Nickel Allergy Page
• DermaDoctor Nickel Allergy Information