Is the area of skin under the ring itchy due to a rash? Do not rush to panic! Basically, a rash under the ring is a very common skin problem and easy to treat. If you feel you are experiencing it, immediately visit the nearest doctor or dermatologist to identify the cause, such as a buildup of dirt or a nickel allergy. If the trigger is not a nickel allergy, the ring can be worn as long as you keep your hands clean and moist. However, if the trigger is a nickel allergy, protect the health of your hands by replacing the ring or coating it with another material that does not trigger allergies on your skin.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Treating the Rash
Step 1. Check with a doctor
In many cases, the rash that appears is generally contact dermatitis, or skin inflammation due to contact with certain substances contained in the ring. To accurately diagnose the cause, don't hesitate to see a doctor. Next, the doctor will determine whether the rash is actually caused by a nickel allergy, a buildup of sweat and dirt, or other causes.
- The doctor may perform an allergy test to determine whether or not there is a skin reaction to nickel. The trick, the doctor will apply nickel, platinum, and other allergens to the skin, then leave it for 48 hours to detect whether or not an allergic reaction occurs afterward.
- If your skin doesn't react to nickel, there's a good chance that a buildup of dirt or sweat has triggered the rash. If that's the case, you just need to clean the ring thoroughly.
- Count the duration of wearing the ring to detect the cause of the rash. If the ring has been worn for a long time but the rash under it has only recently appeared, it is most likely not the cause of the material in the ring. In other words, the cause may be an irritant trapped under the ring.
Step 2. Apply cortisone cream to reduce inflammation
Most likely, your doctor will recommend a cortisone cream to relieve irritation and redness on the skin that you can buy without a prescription at the pharmacy. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose of medication. Use these medications once or twice a day for two to four weeks.
- Generally, hydrocortisone cream prescribed by a doctor has a higher dosage than over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
- Always follow the instructions on the medicine package.
- Apply cortisone cream for a maximum of seven days. If after seven days the symptoms do not subside, go back to the doctor.
Step 3. Take an antihistamine pill to relieve the itching that appears
Chances are, your doctor will ask you to take an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Claritin (loratadine), to temporarily relieve the intensity of the rash.
Follow the dosage recommendations listed on the medicine package
Step 4. Try applying an antifungal cream to treat rashes caused by fungal growth
If the rash looks flaky and enlarged, it's most likely a fungal infection caused by excess heat and moisture trapped under the ring. Usually, such conditions occur due to excessive sweat production in the area. Try to communicate this possibility to your doctor and ask him for appropriate treatment recommendations.
Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream or ask you to buy it without a prescription at the pharmacy
Method 2 of 3: Wearing the Ring
Step 1. Put the ring on the other finger
To give the rash time to heal, transfer the ring to the other finger. If the rash reappears on the finger, stop wearing it.
Step 2. Remove the ring before wetting your hands
Sometimes, the rash can also be caused by water and soap residue that builds up under the ring. Therefore, don't forget to remove the ring before swimming, showering, bathing, or washing your hands. Dry your hands thoroughly before putting them back on.
Use a mild soap when washing your hands. In particular, Dove, Clay, and Cetaphil brand soaps are perfect options to use
Step 3. Apply lotion to hands every day
In particular, the lotion is able to reduce friction between the ring and the skin, thereby reducing the potential for irritation. If possible, buy a lotion that is labeled “hypoallergenic” or does not pose a risk of an allergic reaction.
Step 4. Clean your ring
In some cases, dirt and sweat stuck to the ring can irritate the skin and trigger a rash to appear. To prevent this from happening, try taking your ring to a store that provides ring cleaning services, or cleaning your ring yourself using a special jewelry cleaning solution. Previously, don't forget to dilute the solution with water according to the instructions on the back of the package, then soak the ring for a maximum of 40 minutes. After that, gently scrub the ring with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Method 3 of 3: Dealing with an Allergy to Nickel
Step 1. Change your ring making material
If the ring is so important and valuable, you probably wouldn't want to throw it away, would you? Therefore, try taking it to a ring seller and asking what kind of metal was used to make the ring. If necessary, ask the ring seller to change the type of material used.
- Titanium, stainless steel and 18 ct gold are generally safe for those of you who have a nickel allergy.
- In fact, adding nickel to gold jewelry is a fairly common practice. In particular, the higher the carat, the less likely the jewelry is to contain nickel.
- White gold is more likely to contain nickel than yellow gold.
Step 2. Coat the ring with rhodium
Ask the ring salesman to help cover the entire surface of the ring with rhodium to protect your finger. Although it will cost much less than buying a new ring, be aware that the rhodium coating will erode after a few years.
Step 3. Apply polish to the inside of the ring
Cover the inside of the ring with clear nail polish. Wait until the nail polish is completely cool and dry before putting the ring back on. Reapply nail polish every two or three days to maximize its function.
- This is a temporary solution until you can replace the ring or cover it with another material.
- Nickel Guard is a special coating designed to protect your skin from coming into direct contact with nickel-containing jewelry. To use it, you just need to apply the coating to the inside of the ring like nail polish.
Step 4. Check whether or not there is nickel in each ring you have
If you think you have a nickel allergy, try purchasing a special nickel-detecting kit at an online store or dermatologist's clinic. Generally, you will find two chemical liquids in it. Pour one drop of each liquid onto the ring surface, then gently stir with a cotton bud. If it turns pink, your ring does contain nickel. Otherwise, your ring is safe to use.
Don't worry, it won't damage your jewelry
Tips
- Nickel allergies can still occur even if you've worn a nickel-plated ring for years.
- This type of rash is most commonly experienced by people who wear wedding rings. To fix this, try removing the ring for a full hour each day.
- Unfortunately, a nickel allergy that has already been experienced will not be completely cured.
