Have you developed skin irritation below a ring? Do not panic ! This type of irritation is very common and very easy to treat. See your GP or dermatologist to determine if the problem is caused by dirt or a nickel allergy. If the metal is not involved, you can continue to wear the jewelry, making sure to keep your hands clean and well hydrated. However, if you have an allergy to nickel or another metal, you will need to protect your skin, either by replacing the jewelry or having it plated.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treat the irritation
Step 1. See your doctor
In most cases, the irritation will be caused by contact dermatitis. This means that the skin is reacting to a substance in the ring. Your doctor will diagnose if this is caused by a nickel allergy, dirt and sweat, or some other underlying cause.
- Your doctor may do a patch test to determine if you are allergic to nickel. He will apply spots of nickel, platinum, and other allergens to your skin and leave them on for 48 hours, to see if you develop a reaction or not.
- If your skin is unresponsive to nickel, check to see if dirt and sweat has collected on the inside of the ring. In this case, it might be sufficient to clean your ring.
- To determine if the irritation is an allergic reaction, see how long you've been wearing this jewelry. If you've been wearing the ring for a long time, but only recently developed a rash, it probably isn't due to any component of the metal. The cause is probably due to an irritant that got stuck on the inner surface of the ring.
Step 2. Apply a cortisone cream
Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter cortisone cream to reduce the redness and irritation. In more serious cases, your doctor may prescribe a prescription cream. Apply the product once or twice a day, for 2 to 4 weeks.
- Prescription hydrocortisone creams are generally stronger than non-prescription creams.
- Observe the product's instructions for use.
- Do not use the cortisone cream for more than 7 days. If the irritation does not go away, return to your doctor.
Step 3. Fight the itch with an antihistamine
Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine or loratadine, for temporary relief.
To know the dosage of the product, follow the instructions for use of the product
Step 4. If it is a fungus, apply an antifungal agent
If your rash peels and spreads, it could be a fungal infection caused by moisture and heat. This could happen if you've been sweating a lot under your ring. Ask your doctor if this might be a possibility and what their treatment is for you.
Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream for you. You could also find a cream without a prescription
Method 2 of 3: Wear the ring
Step 1. Thread the ring onto another finger
This will allow the irritation to heal. If the ring causes irritation on that finger as well, stop wearing it.
Step 2. Remove all your rings before you wet your hands
Irritations are sometimes caused by soap or water left under the ring. Take off your rings when swimming, showering or bathing, or washing your hands. Dry your hands thoroughly before putting your rings back on.
Wash your hands with mild soap. Choose a product from the Dove or Cetaphil brand, for example
Step 3. Apply hand cream every day
The cream could reduce the friction under your ring. Moisturize your hands after washing them to avoid irritation. A hypoallergenic cream will be the best option.
Step 4. Wash the ring
In some cases, dirt and sweat on the jewelry could irritate your skin and cause a rash. You can take the jewelry to the jeweler, for professional cleaning or buy a special solution to clean the jewelry. Dilute the product with water following the product instructions and let the ring soak for up to 40 minutes. Polish the stone with a toothbrush.
Method 3 of 3: Manage metal allergies
Step 1. Change the ring
If the jewelry is valuable, you probably won't want to part with it. You could then go to the jeweler and have the stone mounted on another ring. Ask the jeweler what metals he will use for this job.
- Titanium, stainless steel, and 18k gold can generally be worn by people with allergies to nickel.
- In jewelry, it is not uncommon for nickel to be mixed with gold. The higher the carat, the less risk there is that the jewel contains nickel.
- White gold more often contains nickel than yellow gold.
Step 2. Have your wedding ring plated in rhodium
Your jeweler may apply a rhodium plating on the inside of the ring, to protect your finger. This will cost you less than a new ring, but the plating will wear off after a few years.
Step 3. Apply nail polish to the ring
Choose a colorless polish and apply it to the inside of the ring. Let it dry completely before wearing the ring. Reapply the polish every 2-3 days.
- This will be a good temporary solution, until you can replace the jewelry or have it plated.
- "Isoclip" is a product designed to protect the skin of jewelry. You can apply it to your ring, just like you would apply nail polish.
Step 4. Perform a nickel detection test on all of your rings
If you are allergic to nickel, purchase a nickel detection kit from the internet or from your dermatologist. The kit will contain two chemical components. Apply a drop of each product to the ring and mix with a cotton swab. If the cotton turns pink, the jewelry contains nickel. If it does not turn pink, you will be able to wear the jewel without risk.
This test will not damage your jewelry
Advice
- Nickel allergies can develop even after wearing the metal for several years.
- Reactions of this type are most common among people wearing wedding rings. Try to remove your wedding ring for at least an hour a day.
- Once you develop a nickel allergy, it could follow you for the rest of your life.