Can anyone have allergy to Surgical Stainless Steel?

I am very careful with my pierce because my mum suffered from infections and I don't want that to happen to me. Until now I've sticked to 18/24K gold and the earrings I got my ears pierced with at the clinic.

I've had my ears pierced for 8/9 months now. I was wondering if I can be allergic to Surgical Stainless Steel earrings.

My mother told me that I should avoid things containing Nickel, and I found out that Surgical contains Nickel.

But is it still safe?

My wife has the same allergy to surgical steel. When she had surgery last year, the doctor had to use a laser/electric scalpel, together with and titanium/ceramic instruments.

You might not have inherited your mother's allergy, however. If you try surgical steel earrings, and you're allergic, it should be apparent in fairly short order. You can just take out the offending jewelry, wait for the inflammation to subside, and try something else.

Anyhow, as someone has pointed out, there are different grades of surgical steel. If you're allergic, "implant grade" steel jewelry might do the trick. My wife can't wear steel of any grade, and is forced to wear mostly platinum and 24K gold, both of which are fairly expensive (much to my chagrin).

As an alternative to precious metals, however, you can always try titanium. The selection isn't as broad, but it's far, far less expensive than platinum or 24K gold. I bought my wife a very attractive watch last year for her birthday that is backed with titanium, and she's had no problems at all.

There is the potential- especially if your mother has the sensitivity. If you have had no problem with gold- stick with it. I always found it helped to spread a thin film of antibiotic cream or Vaseline on the ear wires. Had more problems with studs than wires.
Your gold contains nickel. You really should be extremely careful with any gold you wear, as it is not pure gold, even at 18 kt. The rest of what is in it IS nickel.
Once a jeweler, now a counselor
There are different grades of surgical steel. I'd look for something that says, "implant surgical steel". I have the same trouble as your mother, but my daughter's is worse. This is not saying that you will have problems. but better safe!