I feel a bit ridiculous asking this question here, where mothering is (thankfully) the focus. But I've looked for these things everywhere and I can't find them. I'm allergic to everything except gold and surgical steel, and after not wearing earrings for a few years after the birth of my son (so he couldn't tear them out of my ears!) I'm finally wearing them again. But where can I get those surgical steel posts???
Thanks for your help.
In this technological age, your best bet would be online. eBay or Amazon would be my first hits. If you're determined to go in-store, you could try a department store. They usually carry a wide range of metals.
BTW, you're not alone. I can only wear surgical steel, sterling silver, or gold (not plated). And I can tell the moment I put them in if I'm going to have a reaction, because my ears start burning and tingling!
Good luck!
My sis & niece have the same problem. You really can get them anywhere- Walmart, Target, Claires or Afterhoughts in the mall have special sections with only surgical steel.
Just watch the cards they come on. If they are surgical steel, they are marked as such- showing either hypo-allergenic or surgical steel.
Good luck!
I have the same problem. A while ago I discovered a company called Simply Whispers. All the earrings, etc., they sell are nickel-free--the post as well as the earring. You can get surgical steel, or gold. Their website has a nice selection of ready-made that's not too expensive, plus they offer findings if you want to make your own. Also, most sterling silver earrings have surgical steel posts. If you have a pair of earrings you want to wear just once in a while but know it will irritate you, you could try nail polish.
You can also get dangles (French hook) that are sterling for just a few dollars at craft stores (JoAnne's, Michael's, Hobby Lobby): put a bead on a pin, attach to the dangle and you're in business.
I would be cautious about buying any costume jewelry (especially from Claire's or discount stores) unless it is labeled "surgical steel posts"--even then, the part of the earring around the post that touches your ear could irritate you. Because of this problem I now buy either gold, sterling, or from Simply Whispers or else I make my own. I also find watch buying difficult for the same reason (back of the case may be nickel on cheaper watches), and now just usually end up buying sterling and wearing it forever.
Hobby Lobby. Also, if you take clear finger nail polish and coat all your other costume jewelry it will protect you from breaking out. I had the same problem and this worked for me. I even had to recoat my wedding band because the 14K was wearing off and the nickel was breaking me out.
find a merle norman in your area, they carry surgigcal steel post and other hypo allegenic products. Their website is www.merlenorman.com
