What's the Skinny on Wedding Ring Rash?

So you just got married, and are settling in to a lifestyle of wedded bliss. Married life is pretty great, but it does have its share of challenges. None of them should be dermatological. If your new ring is giving you grief, there's no need to act... rashly - wedding ring rash has several possible solutions, and none of them end in separation.

It's pretty common to experience some skin irritation under your wedding band. Given that a ring symbolizes your commitment to the marriage, taking it off isn't the most desirable solution. Irritation can range from a few red spots to some pretty nasty oozing bumps. There are a couple of common causes for this.

1) Allergy. A small percentage of the population has an allergy to some of the alloys used to make gold strong enough for jewelry. Most commonly, the culprit is nickel, but not always. This cause is pretty well known, and it's not uncommon to leap to the conclusion that you're allergic to your ring - most of the time, that's not the case at all, so take heart!

The Solution: First, try the solutions listed below for non-allergic reactions. Allergies require some regular upkeep, so you'll want to rule it out as a cause, if possible. If you are allergic, take the ring off, and let your finger heal completely before putting it back on. I wear mine on a chain around my neck when I'm having trouble. When you're ready to put the ring on again, clean both your finger and the ring carefully with soap and water. Next I suggest going over the ring again with rubbing alcohol, inside and out, to make sure it's completely free of dirt and residue - use a cotton swab. Finally, allow the ring to dry completely and apply several coats of clear nail polish on the inside. The nail polish, when hardened, will provide a hypo-allergenic barrier between the ring and your finger, and will prevent future breakouts. Repeat this process every couple of weeks to avoid future breakouts as the polish wears away. Some jewelers can apply a barrier to your ring for you, but it's no more effective than the nail polish, and will cost more.

2) Moisture/Friction. This is a far more common cause of wedding ring rash than a metal allergy. If you have a ring with a wide band, your wedding and engagement rings have been attached, or your ring is a little snug, you can run into trouble. Wide bands trap moisture, which is a breeding ground for bacteria - this can cause skin trouble. Tight rings tend to cause a lot of friction, and can actually cut into your finger slightly, causing similar issues.

The Solution: If the ring is too snug, I'm afraid you'll need to get it resized; no other solution will work for you. If your problem is moisture, though, try any or all of the following. Regardless, let your finger heal completely before resuming daily wear. Take off your ring when showering, swimming, bathing, or working out. Dry both the ring and yourself before putting it back on. Periodically, you should clean your ring, inside and out with jewelry cleaner or alcohol. A topical treatment for rashes or hives can help reduce the severity and frequency of attacks.

By following these guidelines carefully, you can reduce or even eliminate the amount of time you're left without your ring on your finger. If you're experiencing any irritation from the marriage itself, I'm afraid you're on your own.