Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
If you see a red rash or feel an itch under your wedding ring, you could be allergic to one of the metals used to make the ring.Yourskinmay also be reacting to something under the ring that touches your skin. Wedding ring rash is an example of a common condition known ascontact dermatitis, which can appear anywhere on the skin.
This articles reviews what to do if you experience wedding ring rash.
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What Is Contact Dermatitis?
Wedding ring rash symptoms include:
Depending on what’s causing it, the rash may appear quickly, over the course of a few days, or not until you’ve been exposed to the trigger for some time.
Wedding ring rash can occur for different reasons. It can result from anirritant, which is a reaction to a substance that touches the skin under the ring, or an allergic reaction to one of the metals in the ring.
Irritants
Irritants tend to affect people who have sensitive skin.
Allergies
Allergiesto some of the metals found in wedding rings are common. Even if your ring is gold or silver, it containsalloys, which are added to make the primary metal more durable.
Nickelandcobaltare two alloys that are known to cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Allergies can develop at any time. In fact, some people can wear the same ring for years with no problem before breaking out with a wedding ring rash.
Types of Metal That Cause Ring RashWedding rings are made from many materials, and some are more likely to cause contact dermatitis than others. Here are a few metals often found in wedding rings:Nickel, added to gold or silver, is a common culprit. It can leach out of the band to make direct contact with your finger.Cobaltis another alloy known to cause wedding ring rash in some people.Titaniumis considered hypoallergenic (not likely to be an allergen).Platinumis considered hypoallergenic.Palladiumis unlikely to cause wedding ring rash.Stainless steel, tungsten, or silicone rubber are other possible choices for bands that will not cause a rash.
Types of Metal That Cause Ring Rash
Wedding rings are made from many materials, and some are more likely to cause contact dermatitis than others. Here are a few metals often found in wedding rings:Nickel, added to gold or silver, is a common culprit. It can leach out of the band to make direct contact with your finger.Cobaltis another alloy known to cause wedding ring rash in some people.Titaniumis considered hypoallergenic (not likely to be an allergen).Platinumis considered hypoallergenic.Palladiumis unlikely to cause wedding ring rash.Stainless steel, tungsten, or silicone rubber are other possible choices for bands that will not cause a rash.
Wedding rings are made from many materials, and some are more likely to cause contact dermatitis than others. Here are a few metals often found in wedding rings:
Stainless steel, tungsten, or silicone rubber are other possible choices for bands that will not cause a rash.
Excessive Water Exposure
Soap, dirt, environmental particles at work, lotions, and other materials can get caught in the stone setting or under the band. Moisture from washing your hands or from sweat creates an environment where constant dampness irritates the skin.
Additionally, bacteria that grow in the moist area of the skin may play a minor role in the development of a rash.
Treatment for contact dermatitis includes removing the source of the irritant or allergen, but in the case of your wedding ring, that may not be a viable option.
An over-the-counter (OTC)anti-itch creamcan help relieve symptoms. If the rash doesn’t go away, see a healthcare provider.
How to Get a Ring off When It’s Stuck
Summary
A Word From Verywell
If you find that your wedding ring rash is due to an allergy to a metal, discuss getting a ring coating with a qualified jeweler. Home remedies exist, but talk to a professional before you take a chance on damaging your band or stone. If you haven’t chosen your ring yet and suspect you may be allergic to a metal, consider that when selecting your band.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWedding ring rash is a red and bumpy area under your skin. You may have fluid-filled blisters in the area as well.
Wedding ring rash is a red and bumpy area under your skin. You may have fluid-filled blisters in the area as well.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mei Eng-Tu, et al.Multiple allergies to metal alloys.Dermatologica Sinica. 2011;29(2):41-43. doi:10.1016/j.dsi.2011.05.010American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Contact dermatitis defined.Zhai H, Maibach HI.Skin occlusion and irritant and allergic contact dermatitis: an overview.Contact Dermatitis. 2001;44(4):201-206. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0536.2001.044004201.x
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mei Eng-Tu, et al.Multiple allergies to metal alloys.Dermatologica Sinica. 2011;29(2):41-43. doi:10.1016/j.dsi.2011.05.010American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Contact dermatitis defined.Zhai H, Maibach HI.Skin occlusion and irritant and allergic contact dermatitis: an overview.Contact Dermatitis. 2001;44(4):201-206. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0536.2001.044004201.x
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mei Eng-Tu, et al.Multiple allergies to metal alloys.Dermatologica Sinica. 2011;29(2):41-43. doi:10.1016/j.dsi.2011.05.010American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Contact dermatitis defined.Zhai H, Maibach HI.Skin occlusion and irritant and allergic contact dermatitis: an overview.Contact Dermatitis. 2001;44(4):201-206. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0536.2001.044004201.x
Mei Eng-Tu, et al.Multiple allergies to metal alloys.Dermatologica Sinica. 2011;29(2):41-43. doi:10.1016/j.dsi.2011.05.010
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Contact dermatitis defined.
Zhai H, Maibach HI.Skin occlusion and irritant and allergic contact dermatitis: an overview.Contact Dermatitis. 2001;44(4):201-206. doi:10.1034/j.1600-0536.2001.044004201.x
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