Nickel Allergy? (infection, skin, swollen, doctor)

[WannaBNorCal]

About twice a year, I get a really bad infection in my earlobes. My whole skull and the lymph nodes get inflamed. I go on an antibiotic.
Are there any docs in the house to tell me if I'm on the right antibiotic? I put a call into my doc, because I looked up the antibiotic, and it doesn't treat "skin" bacteria....Septra DS....inner ear infections, yes. Skin appendages, no.
I think it's nickel because it happens when I wear certain necklaces sometimes as well as certain bracelets. Is there any way to find out if I'm allergic and how? I feel sick.
Also, do I need to wear only real expensive earrings, or maybe just stop wearing any?

[Miborn]

Well maybe not real expensive earrings but ones that are sterling without a nickel base or hypo allergenic. Gold are good too. I think some posts may be stainless also, not the earring but the part that goes in the ear. My sis in law is allergic to nickel and has a problem with jewerly.
Good Luck....

I also might get another Dr.s opinion on the infection if you can. Swollen lymph nodes is worrisome.

[yhwhshalomjr]

Originally Posted by WannaBNorCal

About twice a year, I get a really bad infection in my earlobes. My whole skull and the lymph nodes get inflamed. I go on an antibiotic.
Are there any docs in the house to tell me if I'm on the right antibiotic? I put a call into my doc, because I looked up the antibiotic, and it doesn't treat "skin" bacteria....Septra DS....inner ear infections, yes. Skin appendages, no.
I think it's nickel because it happens when I wear certain necklaces sometimes as well as certain bracelets. Is there any way to find out if I'm allergic and how? I feel sick.
Also, do I need to wear only real expensive earrings, or maybe just stop wearing any?

Just wear hypoallergenic ones; until you are sure,
See an allergist and get tested it.
The only one that can tell you about the antibiotic is the doctor who placed you on it in the first place; since he must have had in mind what antibiotic to target the type of infection he believed you had.
Hope you feel better

[Mattie Jo]

I quit wearing earrings years ago. It didn't matter if the posts were gold or whatever I still had burning and itching ears.