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.