Ear piercing for individuals with metal hypersensitivity

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate an ear piercing and earring retention method for individuals with metal hypersensitivity. SETTING: Private facial plastic surgery practice associated with a tertiary care medical center. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with a history of hypersensitivity to metallic jewelry (62 ears) underwent earlobe piercing with an intravenous catheter. RESULTS: None of the patients experienced an infection or hypersensitivity reaction. All patients were able to wear nickel-free earrings for short periods without using the shortened catheter. CONCLUSION: Using the distal shaft of an intravenous catheter as an earring post sheath is a safe and effective technique that allows hypersensitive individuals to wear earrings in pierced ears on a limited basis.