What is wedding ring rash?
The itchy, tender rash that appears on your wedding ring finger is really a form of contact dermatitis. This is a skin inflammation that can be caused by a variety of items making contact with your skin, such as fragrances in skincare products, latex (if you have a latex allergy), or nickel, a metal that is commonly found in jewellery. People who already have dermatitis or eczema are more susceptible to developing a reaction to the nickel in their wedding ring.
Nickel and skin sensitivity
Although nickel is often found in costume jewellery, it can also be present in more expensive, fine jewellery. This is because a blend of metals is often used to make your ring more durable. Interestingly, you might only discover an allergy to nickel after many years of wearing your ring.
Although nickel is often found in costume jewellery, it can also be present in more expensive, fine jewellery. This is because a blend of metals is often used to make your ring more durable. Interestingly, you might only discover an allergy to nickel after many years of wearing your ring.
This is because wearing it every day for a very long time causes ring erosion so the nickel rises to the surface of the ring, producing a reaction. If you notice symptoms on your wedding ring finger, you should have it checked out by a doctor who will be able to prescribe a topical steroid cream that will clear up your symptoms. However, a nickel allergy won’t go away so you will have to avoid any nickel products in future to prevent flare-ups.
Bear in mind that it’s not just nickel that can cause an allergic reaction - other jewellery metals can, too. An example is copper, which is found in rose gold rings to give them a pink hue. With rose gold becoming so popular, the use of copper is also increasing and can cause reactions.
Bear in mind that it’s not just nickel that can cause an allergic reaction - other jewellery metals can, too. An example is copper, which is found in rose gold rings to give them a pink hue. With rose gold becoming so popular, the use of copper is also increasing and can cause reactions.
When skin products are to blame
Sometimes the metal in your ring isn’t completely to blame. The skin irritation could actually be caused by products you use, such as hand-wash soaps or body lotions. However, your ring can worsen the condition due to friction. The lotion or soap accumulates under your ring, causing irritation and creating bacteria. This is known as surface irritation. It can be cured by looking after your skin, using hand sanitiser instead of soap, and cleaning your rings regularly to keep them sparkling and free of germs.
Sometimes the metal in your ring isn’t completely to blame. The skin irritation could actually be caused by products you use, such as hand-wash soaps or body lotions. However, your ring can worsen the condition due to friction. The lotion or soap accumulates under your ring, causing irritation and creating bacteria. This is known as surface irritation. It can be cured by looking after your skin, using hand sanitiser instead of soap, and cleaning your rings regularly to keep them sparkling and free of germs.
You should remove your ring before washing your hands to prevent soap from getting trapped between the ring and your skin, and dry your hands well before putting the ring back on. To test if your allergic reaction is from the ring’s metal, stop wearing it for a few days and see what happens. If the sensitivity clears up, then you know the ring is to blame.
