Cheaper earrings more likely to contain nickel

San Francisco

- Inexpensive earrings, those less than $50, are more likely to contain nickel, a common cause of dermatitis, according to a report published online in the

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

.

The report found no particular price point or country of origin that assured nickel the presence or lack of nickel in earrings. Researchers bought 277 earrings from 34 different stores and artists in San Francisco in October 2007. They found 85 of the earrings contained nickel, 30.7 percent, HealthDay News reports.

Other studies have found that about 5.8 percent of American adults tested positive to nickel allergy, and repeated exposure to the allergen can make it difficult to treat. Researchers suggest consumers that are allergic to nickel look for jewelry labeled "nickel-free" or "hypoallergenic." They also suggest wearing only stainless steel or gold jewelry and discontinue wearing any jewelry that causes skin irritation.