Why Your Favorite Ring Might Be Giving You The Itch! (And How To Avoid It)

Ahh, the perfect ring. It’s a statement, a symbol, a little slice of sparkle that makes us feel confident every time we slip it on. Maybe it's your engagement ring, or maybe it's a cocktail ring, but either way, to you it's absolute perfection. But hold up—what’s this? A red, itchy mark on your finger? What the-?!

Don’t panic! It’s not your ring’s fault (well, not entirely). What you’re experiencing is probably contact dermatitis—a common skin irritation that can be triggered by metals in your jewelry, or moisture trapped behind it. I had someone reach out to me recently to help find her find guidance as to why her rings kept making her finger turn red, so let’s break it down and, more importantly, let’s fix it so you can get back to rocking that favorite once again.

What Exactly is Contact Dermatitis?

In simple terms, contact dermatitis is when your skin gets a little too close and personal with something it doesn’t like—like certain metals or other materials used in jewelry. The result? Red, itchy patches, bumps, or sometimes even swelling. It's kind of like your skin saying, “Hey, I don’t like this, so let’s make sure you really know about it.” 

Some people find them to happen more on their ring finger where they wear their wedding rings. My sister so appropriately named it "The Mark of Matrimony", because it can look like you're wearing a red ring around your finger. 

There are two main types of contact dermatitis: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. The former happens when something physically irritates the skin (think: nickel or other metals), and the latter happens when your skin has an allergic reaction to a particular substance.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of why your ring could be the culprit.

How Does Contact Dermatitis Happen with Jewelry?

Jewelry, especially rings, is in constant contact with your skin. So, if your piece contains nickel or copper (both common in costume jewelry, but are also alloys used to get rose and white gold), your skin might react negatively, even if you’ve been wearing it for months without issue. It's like your skin suddenly saying, “I’m not sure about this relationship anymore!”

Here are a few reasons your favorite piece might be causing that uncomfortable rash:

1. Nickel Allergies – Nickel is one of the most common allergens found in jewelry. Did you know nickel is commonly used as an alloy to make white gold? It’s especially notorious for causing allergic reactions. If your ring contains nickel, your skin might develop red, itchy spots as a response.

2. Sweat and Moisture – If you wear your rings while exercising, cooking, or even just during the summer heat, the sweat or moisture trapped underneath can cause irritation. This is because the sweat can mix with the metal, making it more likely to cause a reaction. *Side note: If your setting is open on the back, this creates a perfect nook for moisture from sweat, hand washing, and lotion application to hide. You'll have a higher chance of developing this red ring with that type of setting.

3. Harsh Chemicals – Things like lotions, perfumes, and cleaning products can react with the metal in your ring, causing your skin to react, too. Talk about a beauty faux pas!

How to Avoid the Itch and Keep Your Fingers Happy

You don’t have to give up your gorgeous rings! You just have to give your skin a little extra love and create some new habits. Here’s how to keep things smooth and rash-free:

1. Choose Hypoallergenic Jewelry – If you know you have sensitive skin, go for pieces made from materials like platinum, palladium or 14k+ gold (and if you'd like white gold, try 18k instead). These metals are less likely to cause irritation because they’re much gentler on the skin.

2. Keep Your Rings Clean and Dry – Dirt and grime can collect under your rings, trapping moisture against your skin. Clean your rings regularly (we have a blog post on that HERE) and take them off when you're washing your hands, showering, or working out.

3. Use Clear Nail Polish (Yep, You Heard That Right!) – If you really love a piece that contains nickel, try applying a thin layer of clear nail polish on the inside of the band. It creates a barrier between your skin and the metal, preventing direct contact.

4. Switch It Up – Give your skin a break by alternating which rings you wear, and don't leave them on all the time. Take them off when you’re sleeping or swimming to give your skin time to breathe.

5. Be Aware of Your Skin’s Reactions – If your skin does get a little red or irritated, don’t wait it out. Give your finger some TLC—wash with mild soap, dry thoroughly, and apply a soothing ointment like hydrocortisone or aloe vera to calm the irritation.

6. Know When to Take a Break – If you notice consistent reactions to a certain ring, it might be time to switch to a more skin-friendly metal or material. Your skin has spoken!

Lasting Love with Your Jewelry

Your jewelry is an extension of your style, personality, and self-expression, and you deserve to wear it without the pesky red patches! With a little knowledge and care, you can wear your rings with confidence and comfort, knowing they’ll stay by your side (or on your finger) for many years to come.

So, next time you slip on that gorgeous piece, keep these tips in mind—your fingers will thank you, and you’ll keep shining, as always.

Also, almost all of the rings on our website are in 14k and 18k yellow so we can definitely help you find one that will work for your skin's preference.

Stay shiny my friends!