Wedding ring dermatitis - your solution/work-around?

I

Iced

Member
Got married a month ago and about a half-week into our honeymoon, I noticed my finger was getting red and itchy with a mild burning sensation. I suddenly recalled my early teen years where wearing belts would give me a rash (if the metal part was touching my skin). At the time I was told I was having an allergic reaction to zinc. My research and a recent visit to a dermatologist (more on that in a bit) suggests it's actually nickel I'm allergic to (my band is 10K white gold).

I purchased a cheap titanium band, hoping I could wear it instead. Sure enough, the burning sensation returned and looking at my finger just now, there is definitely a rash forming.

Yesterday I saw a dermatologist who heard my story and told me it's definitely a nickel allergy. I asked if he would do a patch test, and his response was "it's definitely nickel". Okay. Not much help there. He seemed more interested in pushing me out the door than giving me any real answers.

I've read this is a growing problem and I'm wondering how some of you have dealt with the issue. I thought the titanium ring was going to be winner - is it possible there's nickel in it? Anyone know where I can get something to test the ring in Canada? I see solutions available in the US but I haven't found much yet in the great white north.

Thanks for any recommendations!
 
24K Gold (I mean you can't actually get that). Or one of any other numbers of materials that they offer, e.g. titanium, platinum, tungsten.

I personally chose divorce.
 
Why did you buy a cheap ring that likely has traces of the nickel? Buy a guaranteed hypoallergenic titanium, platinum, or tungsten carbide ring.
 
If the ring was cheap, there's probably nickel in there. Maybe ask if you can wear someone else's ring around your neck for a few days and see if you have a reaction before committing to a higher grade ring.
 
I have the same problem, op, although I can't really give you any great advice. I tried painting the inside of my ring with clear nail polish which did prevent the rash from forming, but would eventually come off over time, which was cumbersome to have to constantly reapply. I just stopped wearing mine because my wife doesn't care. She suggested we buy me a pure gold ring (since my ring was literally the cheapest metal one the jeweler had) but my worry is that even a small impurity would cause the problem to come back and then i'm out the money for a pure gold ring.
 
Arttemis said:
Why did you buy a cheap ring that likely has traces of the nickel? Buy a guaranteed hypoallergenic titanium, platinum, or tungsten carbide ring.
Click to expand...

I was under the impression that all titanium jewelry is hypoallergenic, but I was also going with one that looked closest to what my actual band is.
 
My wife gets this, and she just doesn't wear her wedding ring when it happens. It's just a symbol; I would hope your spouse would be understanding about a legitimate medical issue with wearing your ring. But a tattoo is certainly a permanent workaround as well.
 
You could try a higher gold content ring, like 18/22 to see if that sorts it out.

White Gold items are basically Yellow and they normally Rhodium plate the ring, so potentially it could be a Rhodium reaction you are having.
 
Iced said:
Anyone know where I can get something to test the ring in Canada? I see solutions available in the US but I haven't found much yet in the great white north.
Click to expand...

http://www.dormer.ca/DormerCos/Nickel.aspx
25 bucks

This one step test contains a solution of 1% dimethylglyoxime ethanolammoniacal. The complete test kit contains A 6ml bottle of the solution, applicators and specific instruction for use
Instructions for use:
Moisten the applicator with the solution and rub in a circular motion against the suspected object for 30-60 seconds. If the rubbed location on the item turns color (pink to reddish), it indicates a positive reaction and presence of nickel in a concentration of at least 1:10,000. If there is no color change, there is no nickel present. The test chemicals do not harm the tested items.
Click to expand...
 
Platinum band here and I got it a lot. I switched to washing my hands with soap with my ring OFF and drying them thoroughly before putting it back on. That has solved it!
 
Iced said:
I was under the impression that all titanium jewelry is hypoallergenic, but I was also going with one that looked closest to what my actual band is.
Click to expand...

Only if it is 100% Titanium, which I wouldn't trust a $22 sold on Amazon ring to be.
 
1. My wife and I have matching Silicon rings in addition to our actual rings.

We wear them working out and when we're out in big crowds. I wear mine when I have to do physical work that my ring might get hung up on.

Highly recommend to anyone, super cheap, lots of uses.

2. Koa wood based rings are affordable and have a variety of metals/options, too. I'm happy with mine.
 
Haven't worn a wedding ring for at least 9 years of our 11 year marriage. I say it is a safety thing since I work around electrical hardware, which is true to some extent, but I've always found it uncomfortable. Don't like watches or other accessories either.
 
My buddy has a ring made out of some kind of wood. It's shiny and looks great but the actual material is wood so no nickel issues, might wanna give that a shot.

I have a 14k gold ring I've worn for close to 3 years now w/ no major issues. It's from the 50's though so don't know if they make them the same way now a days.
 
vicoakland said:
My wife and I have matching Silicon rings in addition to our actual rings.

We wear them working out and when we're out in big crowds. I wear mine when I have to do physical work that my ring might get hung up on.

Highly recommend to anyone, super cheap, lots of uses.
Click to expand...

UpperCaseN said:
they sell silicone rings for people who work with their hands or for exercise. you can get them on amazon, 4 pack for $8 or so
Click to expand...

Good idea, think I'll pick up one of these.
 
Trojita said:
Only if it is 100% Titanium, which I wouldn't trust a $22 sold on Amazon ring to be.
Click to expand...

I SWEAR that listing said "hypoallergenic" when I bought it. I remember there were four bullet points about it, and now two of those bullet points say the same thing.

Thing is, I actually really like wearing a ring. It's definitely not just for her sake - it upsets me enough that I can't wear the ring I was wearing when we got married.
 
necklace or tattoo
new-ring-necklace-in-silver.jpg
Click to expand...

wanders said:
Tattoo
Click to expand...


Unless you live in some super religious town your spouse should understand. Why you gotta suffer for no reason, just wear it for pictures and gatherings then take it off
 
Ask your wife if she absolutely needs you to wear it, some people dont care.

My wife doesn't care and I only wear it once a month or so when we go out together.
 
Reckheim said:
Ask your wife if she absolutely needs you to wear it, some people dont care.

My wife doesn't care and I only wear it once a month or so when we go out together.
Click to expand...

It's not even a matter of my wife wanting me to wear one. I want to wear one.
 
Don't get a Tungsten ring. They're extremely hard so it'll have to be cut if your finger gets swollen after an accident.

A gold band would probably the best way to go.
 
See if you can ask your jeweler about it. They probably run into allergies on a regular basis and can suggest different things.

Platinum rings look almost the same as silver/white gold and don't bother people with nickel allergies, but they tend to be more expensive.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

  • Locked
Elden Ring, by Alex Garland and A24
3
132
DKehoe replied
  • Poll
Do you have your phone on silent? I can’t remember the last time I heard a phone ring?
39
2K
GymWolf replied
Jeff Bezos x Lauren Sanchez having $600 million Christmas wedding in Aspen
2
68
4K
Unknown Soldier replied
Just another day at work, watermain burst..
6
676
Avid Reading Horse replied
Finished work for Xmas!
28
2K
Windle Poons replied
Top Bottom