Earring back plastic

[peekaboo1]

Treated myself to a new pair of earrings for the first time in years but the backs have me puzzled. Am I supposed to remove the plastic bit around the metal back or do earrings come like that now?

Saw some other pairs with similar at other shops so wondering if its a hygiene thing or if it makes them easier to handle?

Having a larger surface area on the earring back helps anchor the earring and stop it from drooping/pulling on the piercing site.

Best used for bulky studs, drops or danglies.

Thank you

And if anyone keeps losing ear ring back - you can get them on Amazon!