Why is there a Rash Appearing Under my Platinum Wedding Ring?

Ring finger rash with Platinum wedding ring

Can Platinum cause a rash?

950 Platinum is the safest and most hypoallergenic metal available for jewellery. Many wearers suffer from a noticeable rash around the finger below their ring.

Many alternative metals, being less pure and alloyed with other substances, are more prone to such issues, but, as a general rule, this is much less common for Platinum.

A rash usually causes inflammation and discomfort, with the wearer having to remove the ring due to the problem. Continued wearing can cause the problem to worsen.

Can you be allergic to Platinum?

Platinum rarely causes an allergy. Some wearers with a reaction wrongly attribute irritation to Platinum. Positive patch-test results are rare for a Platinum allergy, and conditions normally occur due to fungal or bacterial activity with jewellery in contact with the skin.

What is Ring Rash?

Wedding ring rash, or wedding ring dermatitis, is a common skin condition affecting the area beneath a ring. Individuals with sensitive skin, allergies, eczema, or atopic dermatitis are particularly prone to this rash. The condition appears with redness, accompanied by discomfort and irritation, made worse whilst wearing a wedding ring.

Antifungal creams prescribed by a healthcare provider often treat fungal wedding ring rash. At the same time, keeping the affected area clean and dry is crucial.

Remove the ring temporarily to aid recovery. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice and an accurate diagnosis based on the specific situation.

First signs and an itchy ring finger

At first, reactions often present with an itchy ring finger. This common condition often worsens due to scratching the area, creating inflammation. Reasons for an itchy ring finger can include any of the following:

  1. Contact Dermatitis: Exposure to certain metals or materials in the ring, such as nickel, can cause contact dermatitis, leading to an itchy rash.
  2. Soap and Water Residue: The accumulation of soap, water, or other substances under the ring may irritate the skin, causing itching.
  3. Allergic Reactions: Allergies to cleaning agents, lotions, or other substances coming into contact with the ring may result in itchiness.
  4. Fungal Infections: Moisture trapped beneath the ring can create a conducive environment for fungal growth, leading to itching.
  5. Ring Size Issues: Wearing a ring that is too tight may restrict airflow, causing irritation and itchiness due to inadequate ventilation.

Why do wearers get a rash from a ring?

There can be many reasons why wearers experience a rash from a ring.

The following are three of the common causes for reactions which can relate not only to Platinum but also to Gold, Silver and other metals.

1. A reaction to moisture trapped between the finger and ring from not drying hands suitably.

2. The ring might have been cleaned with harsh chemicals, resulting in a reaction.

3. A bacterial/ fungal infection (often connected to point 1. above) – more chance for bacteria to be present within intricate detail i.e. settings, than on plain metal. (See our example below).

4. Ongoing dermatological issues, e.g. Eczema or contact dermatitis. These often worsen during the onset of cold weather.

5. Incorrectly sized rings. Either too tight or too loose, causing the ring to rub and chafe. Thin edges to the ring can have a near-cutting effect.

Platinum opal cluster ring

Intricate details can trap grease, dirt, and bacteria. Ensure rings are cleaned properly, taking care of delicate stones such as Opal.

For anyone facing such issues, the best medical advice would always send you to your G.P., but some simple solutions might help, which others have tried and found effective in remedying the problems associated with this frustrating issue.

1. First, remove the jewellery to ensure that your finger has the best chance to recover.

2. Wash hands only with soap that is suitable for sensitive skin, making sure that skin is dried suitably afterwards.

3. Many people have reported success, after soaking their ring in 2 parts vinegar mixed with 1 part Hydrogen Peroxide. Rings set with Platinum and diamonds should be fine, but other materials are best kept away from such solutions.

4. Ensure that there is no moisture trapped between the ring and finger following hand washing during everyday wear.

5. Ensure rings are correctly sized. Not too snug and not too loose on the finger.

6. Most importantly, leave rings off the hand until the rash/irritation has healed. Failure to do this can lengthen the healing process.

How to avoid wedding ring rash for people with allergies.

950 Platinum, 950 Palladium and 18-carat gold represent suitable precious metals for people suffering with skin allergies. Such metals help to avoid wedding ring rash.

The 95% and 75% Platinum and Gold purity poses a much lesser risk for the outbreak of reactions.

Final remedies if irritation persists

On occasion, we have found that, strangely enough, a complete change of precious metal reduces the occurrence of a rash. Despite the hypo-allergenic properties of Platinum, one client changed to 18ct Yellow Gold with success. As part of our work, we regularly re-model any rings via our bespoke design service. As a result, we can re-make an engagement ring in most styles faithful to the original design.

We hope this information has offered one or two suggestions as to why this sort of condition may be occurring and a few common solutions to resolving the issue. If you have any additional advice or comments, please feel free to add them since we are certain many out there would benefit from further suggestions and ideas.

Cleaning rings at home

For home cleaning jewellery, our range of jewellery care products will bring the sparkle back to your items. View our range online. 

Diamond-dazzle-stik-serendipity

What is a White Gold Allergy?

A white gold allergy causes the skin to react sometimes due to the nickel content in some white gold alloys. Individuals sensitive or allergic to nickel may experience redness, itching, or rash when wearing white gold jewellery. Opting for nickel-free white gold or alternative metals can help mitigate allergic reactions.

The EU Nickel Directive restricts the amount of nickel released from jewellery and other items in prolonged contact with the skin. However, many buyers source jewellery from China or the Far East, without realisation of the high Nickel content within jewellery items.

About Mark Johnson

My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.

About Mark Johnson

My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.