Finger Eating Ring
Apparently my wedding ring has been trying to eat my finger or something. A few weeks ago, I noticed that I was getting a rash or something underneath where my ring sits.
I figured it had something to do with the heat and humidity perhaps and I took it off so it wouldn’t get worse. A couple of days ago it seemed like it was more or less totally healed, so I went ahead and put my ring back on. After two days of wearing it, it’s coming back again.
It’s been cooler outside, but more importantly, far far cooler at work so I don’t think that was the issue. Perhaps my fingers are swollen to the point where it’s just too small? I guess I’ll try again in a couple of weeks.
[Update: 11-29-2005]
I’m wearing a silver ring now, and I seem to have no problems with it at all.
[Update: 4-17-2006]
I’ve gone back to my original wedding ring that was giving me trouble and somehow I now have no issues at all.
Popularity: 74% [?]
There’s a chance you’ve developed a allergic reaction to the metal the ring is made of. You wouldn’t be the first one.
Yeah, that would be gold (that touches my finger anyways). I had thought of that as well although that would obviously be rather annoying.. the last time I wore it it seemed to like to stick to my finger in that spot….not sure if that’s a cause or an effect though. If it is an allergy, I’ll just have to get something that’s all platinum…
You can always wear it on a chain around your neck for the meantime.
I’ll most likely end up doing that when I get married. Rings on my fingers make me itch. Not physically, but mentally. My brain just goes into a loop of “THERE IS SOMETHING ON MY FINGER THERE IS SOMETHING ON MY FINGER THERE IS SOMETHING ON MY FINGER”.
That’s normal to feel weird when you have something new on your body though (or at least I’m like that so I’ve always thought of it as being normal….
). I’ve been like that with rings, some necklaces, and watches. I eventually got used to them though. Of course, if it’s too bothersome then you probably would never ge the chance. This particularly applies if you’re actually walking around in circles, shouting “THERE IS SOMETHING ON MY FINGER THERE IS…”. If so, however, do tape it..
And I actually do wear a chain already…..it’s gold of course
(and it’s got my name in three inch high letters hanging off of it already, but I could take that off
)
I’ve got that feeling with external objects too. I GOT A DIGITAL CAMERA! I GOT… You get the point.
Lucas,
I have the same problem with Rings. It happens with gold and silver rings, (still have to try platinum)
but the weird thing is that I can wear a gold or silver necklace and I never get a rash. Reading the comments, I see that you don’t seem to have problems with necklaces either..
I have tried wearing rings quite a few times, just to see how long it takes till my finger gets all red and iches like crazy.. The time frame is not consistent at all.. It can be 3-4 days, a couple of weeks, max is about 1 month..
Well, sorry to hear you have this problem, but I’m glad that you wrote a post on it. I was wondering if some other people were having the same issues with rings, or maybe I’m just that f***ed up.. hahaha
Hmmm…that ring was just fine for nearly 6 years. I think either you’re trying to get out of this whole ‘marriage’ thing or else you’re just aiming for a completely platinum ring rather than platinum accents…
Jesus fucking christ! I just read the comments and realized that you ARE trying to weasle a platinum ring outta this shit! May I point out that my wedding rings don’t have any platinum on them at all? Just *shudder* white gold? Plus, my rings don’t fit on any of my damned fingers without falling off now…
It could be soap residue. Have you bought a different brand lately?
Whatever the cause, a little over the counter cortisone cream should clear it up right away.
That reeks of effort…
It’s mostly just dry and I put lotion on it. It heals pretty quickly really. I won’t try my ring on again until it’s a week or so past perfectly normal though….Maybe I’ll try it on my right hand in the mean-time.
Same soaps and all that around here. I am going to wash and rinse it out thoroughly before I try it again though. I figure there could be some chemical or something inside that causes the irritation.
Or I could just get a divorce
Lucas, Have the exact same problem right now. Have worn my platnum rings for 4 1/2 years with no problem and suddenly my finger looks just like yours in your picture. I, too, took it off till it healed, put it on again and the reddness returned. I even wore it on my right hand during that time and the reddness began to develop there, also (though not as strongly). My left finger is red and chapped right now. I’ve just been putting vitamin E on it. I hope it clears up because I really like wearing my wedding rings.
Tanya
Yeah, I wore mine for over 5 years….I’m left wondering if there’s something about developing a sensitivity over long periods of time. Someday I’ll ask an actual doctor maybe…
It’s a skin fungus that grows from the moisture between your finger and your ring. That’s why the cortizone cream works and that’s also why it comes back because it lays dormant for a while.
Interesting about the skin fungus idea. If that’s the case, then applying tea tree oil could kill off the fungus. Or drying more carefully/using some sort of powder to keep the area dry.
Of course, I don’t know what tea tree oil would do to the metal of the ring. :p
Have you tried wearing a ring of some other type of material on the same finger? Ie: silver, stainless steel, etc. ?
No, I’ve done nothing…
The furthest I made it in actual experimentation was to try to wear my wedding ring on my right hand….at which point I remembered that, being my dominant hand, it’s larger than my left hand. My ring would fit but only rather tightly which was both uncomfortable and defeating of the purpose to an extent. I have a ring made from a different material I should try though…
I have the same problem. My wedding band and engagement ring are platinum. My finger doesn’t itch, but it has that red ring on the side of it and it’s flaky and dry. I wore my engagement ring for a year and never had a problem. With my wedding band, I wore it for 4 months before any problems. I think it’s an infection as some noted above. My wedding band has some channel set diamonds in it, and therefore, more room for the water and soap to get trapped. I will try the cortisone thing and see what happens.
Hi,
(I googled for help on necklace-related rashes)
When I have certain metals touching my skin for a few ours I get a bad rash, It doesnt seem to have anything to do with the weather it just happens, this never happened before. I get a rash on my belly from my belt, a rash all around my neck from my gold necklace and a rash on my finger from my ring my father gave me.
Ive stopped wearing the ring and my necklace.
Does anyone know if I can get any treatment to prevent this from happening again, i would like to wear my necklace again.
same thing is happening to my ring finger right now, and i have a platinum ring…it keeps coming back!!! i have even used lotrimin spray on it (the kind for athelete’s foot) and it worked, but i had to use it for a week. i think i may have to just go to the doctor for this pesky problem.
Hey y’all - I’ve been surfing a bit on “ring rash” and found this site. I’m glad I’m not the only one with this problem!! I’ve been wearing my platinim engagement ring for two years and my white gold wedding band for one year. Recently I’ve developed the red itchy rash (like pictured above but with blister) when wearing my rings. During healing the skin gets flaky and peels off. I’ve deduced the problem must be with the engagement ring as when I have a flare-up I will wear my wedding band on my other hand (engagement ring doesn’t fit) and I do not develop the same problems.
I’ve read several possible reasons for the problem - moisture under the rings, fungus, metal allergy, etc. etc.
I’ve read several possible “fixes” - coat inside of ring with clear nailpolish, dip ring in a less reactive metal, try a stainless steel ring, soak ring in two parts vinegar/1 part peroxide.
I think while a number of people experience the same problem, the underlying reason is unique to each person. I’m going to try soaking the rings in the vinegar/peroxide solution and try wearing them again after my finger is healed (once again). If it continues, then I’ll probably ask the doctor to perform a metal allergy test.
good luck to all!!
I have a very itchy and sometimes painful rash on my ring finger from my white gold wedding ring. I live in a very hot place so sometimes I wonder if it is worse in the heat. It blisters and oozes and also gets dry and flaky. It is now spreading down my hand just a bit. I have been wearing my wedding ring for the past 3 weeks on my right hand and have still not had any rash appear but my left hand rash is still at it big time! I don’t know what to do and I also have eczema on other parts of my body so this is very annoying! I think it is time to meet with a skin doctor again!
I had the same chronic problem wearing my rings. Originally thought it was a fungus but treatment for that didn’t work. I’m guessing it is a nickel allergy and with heat/humidity/time, nickel leaches out of all gold. Tried the vinegar/peroxide soak along with nail polish and have been problem free for a year now.
I have the same issue and have had it for the last year. Someone said to me according to their Doctor this may represent a deficiency in some area.
I increased my vitamin and mineral intake and things are looking up!
I have worn my platinum engagement ring for 1 year and engagement ring and wedding band for seven months. Out of nowhere I noticed the same irritated rash and red ring around my finger. Cortizone gets it fast, and I use a thick vaseline type lotion to coat my finger, but everytime I think it’s gone and put my rings back on it comes back. I am going to try the lotrimin, and see how that works.I found that just waering one of the rings seems less irritating.
I have been wearing my platinum engagement ring for 2 yrs & my white gold band for 1yr. I starting having the rash as well out of the blue. My doctor said I was allergic. So I’ve been postponing havind the ring platinum dipped b/c of $$$. My friend recently developed the same problem & found out it’s called ring rot. The soap & water get trapped and the moisture causes the infection. My ring also has the channel set diamonds for more room for water to get trapped. Since my friend recommended completely drying hands after washing I haven’t had a problem!!! I’m so happy I found out before I spent the money to dip the ring or buy a new one!
Apparently boiling the ring will fix it for some people also…
http://justagirlintheworld.com/2006/04/14/does-commitment-make-me-blister/
I am having the same problem, I have a Platinum wedding ring set that is quite large almost 6.5 carats and I went to NYC & came home with this ‘rash’ my girlfriend told me it was a fungus and gave me some cream her doctor gave her but still has not gone away. It only get’s better when I don’t wear my wedding set. I just got married 11-4-2006 and I want to wear my wedding set. I’ve never had anything like this before but I do feel better knowing others have the same problem. I am going to use the cortisone cream and dry hands thoroughly before putting my rings back on.
Just an update - I decided to soak my rings in boiling water. Just boiled water in the teapot, poured water into a cup and dropped the rings into the cup. Poof - santized rings! This seems to have have worked! My engagement ring is an open design (cathedral setting with open scroll work up to the point in which the diamond sits) which allows for all sorts of grime and bacteria to fester. A co-worker of mine who worked as a jewler confirmed that this type of designed promote the growth of bacteria. He said he had seen a number of women with the same problem. For his customers he would clean their rings in an ultrasonic cleaner with an industrial type soap. I’ll continue to sanitize my rings once a month or more often as required.
I am having problems with my wedding rings as well. It started a month or 2 ago. I have never had a problem before. There is a complete red, itchy ring around my finger like the one in your picture. At first I thought it was ringworm, I worked in a daycare and ended up getting ringworm from one of the kids, so I thought it got to my finger for some reason. I was even putting the ringworm cream on my finger. It hurts so bad when you have ur hands in water as well. I have looked really closely to it and even notice like little tiny blisters that form. I am sure everyone is different. I have been putting oinment/antibotic, and another thing that works is diaper cream for rashes. Anyways, I seen where it could be build up of soap residue on my ring, so I cleaned them lastnight using jewelry cleaner, and scrubed with an old toothbrush. Now waiting for my finger to completely heal and try my rings AGAIN. Also another thing that helps is Alveeno lotion. I swear by that stuff to help dry and damaged skin! I’ll post again to let everyone know my outcome!
I wish I had found this website before now!! I just traded my white gold ring for gold. I loved my first ring set. At least now I don’t have to worry about those awful blisters and peeling anymore!!
Well I wrote Feb 20th about my irrated finger from my rings, well I finally let it heel all the way and it is now March 5th. I cleaned my rings thouroughly and I just put them back on my finger. So we will see what happens. Hopefully it was just the build up of soap and lotion’s that caused the irratation!!! I will definitly write back and let you all know good or bad news! Hopefully this will help someone out in the long run!
well well well…. I hate to tell you all this, specially those who went out and bought new wedding rings, because it was the soap residue and lotions that caused my finger to have an allergic reaction. SOOO… I really recommend that you wash your rings with a jewerly cleaner or false teeth cleaner, let your finger heal completely and try your rings again!!! Good luck all, save yourself some money by just cleaning your rings!! :O)
This is a reoccurring problem for me, too. It usually happens when it starts getting warm. Our fingers tend to shrink in the winter and fit a little snugger in the summer. I have a very wide gold band. Once it starts fitting snugger, I get the red ring problem. I immediately take the ring off and clean it in solution. Leave it off for a good while to make sure that it is totally cleared up. I usually keep my rings on all the time. I sleep in them and bathe in them. That is probably why I manage to get moisture underneath. A good cleaning will do wonders and some ointment.
I developed the same problem after 3.5 years and was so glad to find this Web site. It started when my rings got too big and I had to get a ring guard. My husband removed the guard and found all sorts of grime in there, but now I can’t even wear the rings alone without the guard. I’ve made a list of what to try, and I hope this does the trick! I can wear the rings on my right hand with no problem.
boil the rings in 2 parts vinegar and 1 part peroxide for 15 minutes
use cortisone cream
wash and dry hands thoroughly under the ring while you move ring to another finger
soak rings in boiling water once a month
coat the inside with clear nail polish
When I first got my ring it felt fine on my finger. Then after like 3 weeks it started to hurt and itch and I developed a red rash. I took it off for a while and it healed and when I put it back on it started itching again. I haven’t worn it for a few months. Now it looks like I just have to clean it. I will try this tonight. I hope it works because I like to wear my ring.
I also have this rash it is def the soap under the ring. My ring has antique setting and plemty of room for soap and lotinon to get caught underneath it. I have to take it off now when I shower or do dishes or put any hair products or lotion on my hands. I also have to keep the ring clean and make sure it is dry before I place it back on my hands. Good luck to anyone with this iky rash.
I’ve been trying to find information about this rash in between my ring and middle finger, which started after I got engaged. Just like these other people it goes away when I take my ring off. I feel bad for not wearing it everyday, but the itchiness and redness drives me insane. I’m glad to know that it’s not just me. I see now that I should take it off in the shower, washing hands, etc. due to soap lingering underneath it.
Thanks to all who have taken the time to blog about this annoying issue. I was starting to think I was crazy.. or that it was a sign my marriage was doomed.lol.. I had tried so many at home remedies, clearing it up for a while, feeling I had conquered… only to find within days..I had managed to get it again…I am currently suffering a pretty severe bout, fortunately now that i’ve read all the info. here, I’m hopeful these will work and I have hope..Thanks so much… If i learn anything, I’ll let all of you know.
I am so happy that i am not the only one who had this problem, my fiance and i have been engaged for about a year and for the first couple of months it was fine and then the rash began, it got really red and itchy and even started to peel and crack, and the same thing happened i would take it off and let it heal and then put it back on and within 2 days the rash would come back. I am going to try the boiling in peroxide and vinegar and see if that works, i will let you know what happens. Goodness thank you so much everyone.
I am utterly surprised how many people are suffering with this problem.. I too thought I was the only one, decided to consult the web and am relieved to have found a community of “ring sufferers”!! I have a platinum, diamond channel set wedding band, been married 2 yrs, when I first wore the ring I took it off each time I washed my hands, then friends kept telling me how dangerous that is, I could forget it and lose it and that I should keep them on.. So, each time I wash my hands (I am a compulsive hand washer), traces of soap and water are left behind. I have kept them off for about a week and the irritation is slowly going away. I suppose the best advise is to keep your hands clean and dry, frequently clean your rings and give your ring finger a rest and leave them off around the house. So glad I found this thread!! I was about to run out and buy a new wedding ring!!
A lot of these postings seem to be discussing the potential for fungus and so forth, but with the reactions that are delayed by a few weeks, months, or a year, I would strongly consider a Nickel Allergy.
White gold is a blend of pure yellow gold, and Nickel, along with other elements.
These rings are usually Rhodium plated to give them a bright shine, and block the nickel from skin contact. As the plating wears off (based on skin chemistry and thickness) the nickel/gold alloy come in contact with the skin, and the allergic reaction can start. Necklaces as a reference point may be poor since they are resting on skin, and not cinched up tight like a ring.
Even the Platinum bands, I would ask if they are pure platinum, or if they are white gold rings dipped in platinum.
I’m not implying they are, but just a question to help cut off the rashing at it’s source.
I also have the same problem and think it is the moisture under the ring, and and perhaps soap residue. My problem didn’t appear until after 7 years of wearing my yellow gold wedding rings and moving to South Florida. The swelling of the finger because of heat and also humidity, which adds to moisture left under the ring would be the main culprit for me. Some liquid soaps seem to irritate it also. Incidentally, I stay away from liquid anti-bacterial soaps too, because that causes another type of rash that runs down the fingers where I wear rings.
Okay I didn’t read all the posts so I don’t know if anyone has suggested dirt yet. But I grew up in the jewelry business, and when someone would come in complaining about an irritation involving jewelry we always first suspected dirt. It is a fact that jewelry collects dirt and skin and soap from your wearing it. It is likely that you are reacting to dirt, soap and or lotion (that holds dirt in place) that has accumulated between the ring and your finger. Take a look with a magnifying glass at the back of your rings, between the links in watches etc.- it can be pretty gross in there. Many rings have a space behind stones, or a cavity between the ring and your finger that collect dirt. Go out to a jewelry store and buy jewelry cleaner - be sure to read the instructions on the jar because some stones can be damaged by some jewelry cleaner. Soak the ring in the cleaner. Then with the DRAIN CLOSED scrub the ring over a sink with a toothbrush and running water. Be sure to let your finger completely heal before trying the ring again. Then continue to clean your rings often.
I’ve never actually responded online before, however, I couldn’t resist since I’ve had the same problem.
Before getting married I used to wear my great grandfathers ring (white gold) and my finger would react just as you’ve described. Now I only wear my wedding ring (platinum) and it’s been almost 4 years without any issues. Hopefully that doesn’t change over time. But for now it’s all good
Hope that helps.
This totally is happening to me. I felt that my rings may have been too big but after a year of wearing I didn’t understand why this would happen now.
Thanks for your help.
Sorry, I thought my rings may have been too SMALL
Wow, I thought I was the only one but after searching online I found you all. This appears to be so common now. My ring is going to get some boiling water poured on it. It all started when I stopped working, at home my hands are in water more from cooking, cleaning, gardening etc.
Cortisone cream and boiling water. I am so happy someone else knew what to do.
I read the posts during the week and did the peroxide and vinegar soak on the weekend. My stones in my band are channel set and it was filthy upon close inspection. I sprayed a kitchen degreaser in the ring and did the soak. I used my waterpik to blast the residue out. My finger now feels perfect. It is healing up nicely. I put an antifungal cream on my finger as suggested by another post and I don’t have the slightest tingle now. I was experiencing the soreness, blisters and drying out and now I am fine and it has been less than a week. I am sure the dark ring will go away soon. I am also thoroughly drying my hands and ring when I wash my hands and removing my rings when I put lotion on. I will be sure to really keep the channel area clean. My ring also looks fantastic now that the light can go through the diamonds. Thanks so much for these remedies.
i’m glad to see i’m not the only one with this problem.When I got my engament ring(white gold) everything was fine but then i got my wedding ring (white gold,diamond channel setting) at first it felt fine on my finger. Then after my 1 month honey moon it started itch and I developed a red rash. i thought it was because of the heat.I took it off for a while and it healed and when I put it back on it started itching again. I only wear it to go out. But the big problem is that now i have a rash on my other fingers and on my neck anf face especially on my forhead(it’s very itchy)
i think i should go see a doctor…
I got married on july 7th and 3 weeks ago my ring started doing the same thing in the picture but way way redder.
Mine doesn’t itch, it burns really bad.
I took it to the jeweler and had the white gold ring “dipped” but I noticed this morning that there is one little spot in the inside of my finger…
Does anyone else’s burn rather than itch?
My Jeweler also suggested that I put Rubbing Alchol or some sort of anti-fungal.
I’m experiencing “ring rash”, too. At first I thought it was nickel allergy since one of my rings is white gold. But I’ve never, ever had a problem with any metal before so I was a little skeptical. I was ready to get my ring rhodium plated this weekend to solve the nickel problem, but my jeweler told me to be sure to dry my hands/ring THOROUGHLY or I could get a rash. The jeweler said this problem is common with wide bands as it is easier for soap/dirt/ick to get trapped on the skin and for the skin to stay constantly moist. I’ve also been using a new hand lotion that could be irritating my skin.
However, I suspect that those of you that have an immediate reaction to a white gold ring may have nickel allergy. Particularly those that are also sensitive to necklaces, etc. Best of luck to all!!!
Yeah, I’m thinking it’s not completely drying my hands after washing. I’ve been putting cortizone on my finger and sticking my ring on top of it. We’ll see if that’s a no-no!
I’m having the same problem! Like a previous poster, my engagement ring alone never caused a problem, but I’ve been married since May, and within the last week or so have noticed that my ring finger is dry and the skin is almost raw! It burns when I take the rings off! I think I’m going to start sleeping and showering without them to see if that helps. Maybe this will give my finger a chance to “breathe”.
Still free and clear people! It pops up every once in a while, but slap on some Cortizone and it’s gone within a day!
Hello there. I’m glad I found this blog archive. My fiance bought me a sterling silver ring from Tiffany’s and I have been getting a rash from it. I tried it on both ring fingers of both hands and I get the same result. The rash doesn’t get red like the one in the picture, but my skin gets inflamed. The itching is crazy too.
The funny thing is, I have a necklace and a bracelet with the same and exact material as the ring (the necklace and bracelet are also from Tiffany’s).
I have also worn other sterling silver rings before, but I don’t know what the problem is.
What should I do??? He just bought the ring for Christmas, and I want to wear it badly!!!!
Thanks so much!
I am so glad I found this website! I have had the same sterling silver sapphire ring since last Christmas and never had a problem until this summer where I was bartending constantly washing dishes in bleach water. Mid-summer my ring finger got the red bumps and i would wake up itching my finger in severe pain! I have been done with that job since September and the problem still persists! I haven’t worn my ring in a while and it went away (I also stopped using my Bath and Body antibacterial soap which I think helped). I put the ring on 2 days ago and my finger is back to red, itchy and blistery! I am going to buy the cortisone cream asap and drop my ring in the boiling water once my finger is ready and I pray it works. It looks so gross and my bf is upset I’m not wearing his expensive Christmas gift anymore! (Maybe he’ll get a hint to upgrade for this Christmas
I’ll keep you posted. THANK YOU for all of the advice, its much appreciated!
Simple Solution: Before you lay down to sleep put the ring on right hand, in the morning after you shower dry your hands and the ring completely and switch it to your left. Don’t ask why it works.
You all can relax and play the waiting game. This is what you call a good old fashioned allergic reaction or contact dermititis. I’ve had this same problem for the past ten years and each time my fingers heal I try to put my rings on again. They just get burned again. I’ve had all kinds of metal braclets, watches, rings, necklaces and beltbuckles burn my skin. I’ve had tests for every metal except titanium and never broke out during any tests. I show my burns as proof and then my doctors believe me. You’ve developed this and it may go away. Then again I’ve been waiting ten years. My doctor suggested an allergy medication that I can take but won’t allow me to drive if I’m on. Find another alternative and try you metal jewelry once and a while, maybe you’ll get lucky.
I have recently developed this “my ring is eating me” problem and am glad to know that I’m not alone. I love my ring and hate not wearing it. I will soak it in boiling water and vinegar and see what becomes of this awful rash. Glad to know there’s other people out there who have rings that are “eating” them.
Similar story, married four years and my full platinum bands are starting to create this red itchy ring around my finger. . . . its definately weird because of the four years of no problem at all, but then it makes sense that after such a long time residue and dirt have accumulated and that is why it is only now giving me trouble. I’m going to boil the ring, and clean it like crazy and give it a whirl on my right hand while my left one heals, then clean it AGAIN and switch to my left. . . . hopefully it works because I am so in love with my rings and I HATE not wearing them. I’ll post back after I test my approach.