Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Rash from Ring? Fixed by Boiling in vinegar & Peroxide!
Synopsis: The most helpful part of this thread is that dozens of women reported elimination of the rash by boiling their gold or platinum rings in vinegar
⇦in bulk on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil links] & peroxide. Although we don't expect damage to platinum or gold rings, we certainly can't guarantee it!! And remember that all stones are not the same, and pearls are not stones and may be damaged by chemicals that didn't hurt stones. Do it at your own risk.
The thread also covers anti-fungal & cortisone creams, nickel allergy, aluminum allergy, and more. Read on!
Skip to newest posting 
WOW! I am having the exact same problem. After camping in July I too developed a rash under my platinum wedding set that I have been wearing for over two years without a problem. (I previously had an all gold set that I never had a problem with.) I have also used, with success, cortisone cream only to have the rash reappear overnight once I start wearing my rings again. A doctor friend suggested that it is a bacteria/fungus or maybe an oil from vegetation from our camping trip. I am also going to try the peroxide/vinegar cleaning solution and will post if it works for me too! Thanks for all the postings...I thought I was the only one!
Susan V [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Q. I have a new platinum ring but I have a bit of a different reaction, my finger turns a grey colour, I've been to the local jewelers and they said it is platinum but there not sure what is causing these marks, I'm desperate for an answer...please could someone help me?
Rachel L [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]waitress - Sheffield, England
I am so relieved to find these posts about platinum allergies! I have been wearing my platinum wedding set for almost 6 years now, and starting about 4 years ago I began developing a burning red ring around my finger. Having the rings re-rhodiumed every year helps but is expensive. It's been the only cure I could find other than not wearing my rings! I haven't been tested for metal allergy but that will be my next step. Although I don't know how that will help with my rings as I don't want to give up my platinum. So I guess I'll be visiting the jeweler every year for the rhodium!
Debra K [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Carrollton, Texas
Q. I typed this question about possible platinum allergy into Google and this site came up. When I started reading what people had submitted, my heart dropped. I don't want to be allergic to my new ring! I received it for my 25th anniversary and have been waiting so long! I had only worn it three months before developing a very red, scaly, itchy rash. After about a month I went to the doctor. She gave me a prescription cream that is used for eczema that is very strong ( a steroid). It was incredible and after 5 days my finger was perfect. No trace of anything. I put my ring back on. Two days later I had to take it off again, the rash was back and it was painful. My ring has small diamonds that go all the way around and I thought something was trapped in there. I had used a cleaning gel. But I have cleaned it with mild soapy water, rinsed and scrubbed it, and as soon as I put it on it irritates. I too will try the vinegar/peroxide rinse. Please help if you know something new.
Lisa D [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Mission Viejo, California
Q. Suddenly, after 8 years of wearing my wide, thick "red gold 14 ct." wedding band, I have a "rash" on my finger, but only on one side of my finger - the side nearest to the middle finger. I noticed it 4 days after being licked by a dog... (who knows?).
I wore my ring constantly, through showers, hand-washing, cooking, hot humid summers when it would be very tight or winter when it would become looser. When I washed my hands I moved it up my finger a bit (towards the knuckle) to ensure I dried my finger thoroughly and then moved the ring back into its' spot.
The rash appeared "overnight" & it initially looked to me like a "cold sore" that you get on you lip -- tiny little water blisters sort of. I first thought that a grain of salt had become lodged underneath it during cooking & had caused a water-blister-like reaction.
Like everyone, I took the ring off, put cortisone & it healed. Put the ring back on & it's back.
I'm afraid to use the peroxide/vinegar solution or to clean it with a toothbrush -- since the one & only time I tried the toothbrush cleaning, one of the diamonds (flush/pavé set) fell out & the ring had to be re-melted & re-made to put the diamond back in. (it's a custom-made ring from a reputable jewelry maker). (Which makes it doubly-irritating -- ha ha --since we chose the rings so as to wear them always -- rings that were extremely well-fitted & comfortable & practical).
Did anyone come in contact with any animal saliva before the rash happened? Seems that if it was a contagious, fungus-like infection that it would spread, no?
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I am so glad to have found this site! I too had a horrible rash that would appear after wearing my platinum set for a day and would clear up when I didn't wear them (this started a month ago after wearing the set for 5 years). I went to the dermatologist yesterday and he said it was a nickel allergy and that the platinum coating is wearing off. His suggestions included: finding a clear plastic spacer to put between my rings and the bottom part of my hand, re-coat the ring, or reset it in Stainless Steel. I am going to try the vinegar mixture first before checking out other options.
Beth S [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Macon, Georgia
2006
Q. I have a platinum ring for 3 years. 2 years fine, past year awful and severe red burn-like rash. I'd let it heal and would just come right back. Did this several times but finally just don't wear it now. It's healed but I can't bend that finger back like I can the others. It's as if it got to my joint. I'm so happy to see that so many others have had this happen. My gold wedding ring is fine for 13 years now. I find it ironic that so may platinum wearing people developed this rash usually at the 2 year mark. To me, this tells me that it must be coated and there's nickel underneath. How could a person go about having the tested for types of metal actually in the ring? Who would you call, where could you take it? I really need to know because my dentist is making a bridge for me and it's made out of platinum. I told him no way...but he insists it's the safest metal and that many dentist use nickel but he refuses because he knows it makes people sick. He assumes that there must be nickel in my ring. I think getting a metal allergy test is a great idea but I'd like to get the ring tested as well. Any advice?
Shellie B [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- St Peters, Missouri
2006
I'm the one that posted my story (see above) already. But wanted to update that I went to an allergist and he tested me for nickel allergy. Wore a patch with nickel in it for 3 days. No reaction. I also ordered a nickel tester kit for the platinum ring. Guess what, no nickel. Now I don't know what to do because the dental work being put in my mouth is going to be platinum. Do I assume I'm allergic and tell him to use something else that's not considered to be as safe as platinum. The dentist is a holistic dentist and really doesn't want to use anything other than his gold/platinum combo. He just doesn't believe anyone could be allergic to platinum. I'll clean it as suggested and see if it's not bacteria or whatever.
Shellie B [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- St Peters, Missouri
I had put my story up a few months back in 06. Basically I had said that after 2 years my platinum ring causes a horrible (very severe and nasty) rash. During that same time I was getting ready to have a crown put in and the dentist (holistic) said he doesn't use nickel, only gold/ platinum because he's found most people are allergic to nickel. I told him that I believed I was allergic to platinum because of the ring. He said that is pretty much unheard of and it probably has nickel in it. So because I was worried about putting this metal in my mouth, I went to an allergist. He didn't have a platinum test because he says he's not aware of that allergy. He did have a nickel test so he did that. It was negative. I also bought a kit to test my ring for nickel. It was negative. I'm now having a blood test done (actually by my dentist) to see what it says (I'm not sure if this blood vs metal compatibility test is just a scam or what....but we'll see what the results are). I just want you guys to know that I tried the mixture that someone recommended before my post and it didn't work. I tried to clean it many other ways as well and didn't work. My skin still reacts to this ring. I'll let you all know what happens with the blood test (if that is for real). I would just sell the ring and move on if it weren't for crown issue.
Shellie B [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- St Louis, Missouri
2007
I have worn my engagement ring (an antique made of platinum, an older metal) for over a year, but my wedding band is white gold. I too, have had a recent dry, scaly, and red reaction from my rings. I am a hair stylist, so I figured that it was from all of the hair products and shampooing I do daily that created this reaction; however, I've always been allergic to metals in general (belts, necklaces, earrings, etc.). This may be a silly question, but what kind of vinegar are you using for this mixture.. and are you using hydrogen peroxide too? Just want to make sure I'm clear on this antidote... I'm pretty desperate at this point!
Jordan K [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Oak Lawn, Illinois
I developed a rash around my platinum eternity band and took your readers' advice and soaked the rings overnight in 2 parts vinegar to one part peroxide and then boiled the rings (I did the same for my 18K yellow gold wedding bands also)for 15 minutes. I also bought antifungal cream and applied it to the affected area and within 24 hours, the rash cleared up entirely. So, I don't know if one or all of the remedies cleared up the rash, but I recommend you do all three - nothing else worked for me.
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
A. So glad to find I am not the only one. I was given a platinum eternity ring this year and it has made my finger so sore, very red and swollen. At first I thought it was soap trapped behind it, so took it off to wash hands, (which I do a lot as I have a 7 month old and 2 other kids) this didn't help was still sore. Tried wearing on the other hand, made that finger sore. I didn't want to have it resized as would mean inserting a piece of platinum in between stones breaking the perfect circle, also would cost more on very expensive ring! My husband came up with the solution NAIL VARNISH. This is what I did when I used to be allergic to nickel in my jeans button. I coated the inside of the ring with the lacquer, and have been wearing the ring with no reaction for over a week, and have been washing my hands as much as ever without taking the ring off.
Carolyn N [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Leeds, Great Britain
2006
A. Well, I was wondering myself if indeed, I was the only one who was suffering from the "finger eating platinum ring controversy"....ALAS....I THINK I HAVE THE ANSWER!
I have read through many of these forums, consulted many of my college physicians....tried hocus-pocus remedies (even did the vinegar/H202 soaks.) Anyway, I went to my personal physician finally today. DIAGNOSIS= Dyshidrotic Eczema. My signs and symptoms were the same as all of every one else's. My physician reassured me....even after my story about rhodium in platinum...?allergy. Or, I questioned if it was a fungus because I had even tried using Lotrimin cream on my finger for two weeks, and the rash had even did the same thing on other hand. I even asked if it would be worth while to be allergy tested for metals. Although we are all aware, those of us who wear platinum....no nickel in platinum. As far as the allergy testing, he said that platinum is THE MOST hypoallergenic metal, which is also what my VERY reputable jeweler reassured me of. Both the doctor and my jeweler though did remark the same on one thing; some cleaning solvents used to clean rings with can get stuck into the crevices, and then when we perspire they will seep into our skin, thus causing an irritation. Some people seem to be more sensitive to these solvents than others. So, check with your local jeweler to see what they would recommend to clean each individual type of ring,etc., with. (good old mild soap....[dawn] and water, and rinse really really well, usually works best is what I was told. Also, making sure that hands and ring is kept clean, and dry. My physician prescribed to me today: MOMETASONE FUROATE CREAM 0.1% (WHICH IS GENERIC FOR ELOCON.) I know that some of you have said that you have tried the hydrocortisone cream, (which I also tried-seemed to temporarily help, but only mildly, and then came back) and I told the doctor this today. My physician said that this just wasn't strong enough by a long shot.
Hope this helps!
Nurse - Camby, Indiana
Thanks for the info- I was beginning to freak out about my newly developed rash that only showed up after I had been wearing my platinum engagement ring for 6 months with no problem. I will have to use some of these solutions.
Keely B [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Greenville, South Carolina
2006
I wrote about my problem in Dec 2006 and thought an update might be beneficial. After reading the previous posts, I scrubbed my ring in the solution of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide described by a previous person.
I take off my ring every night when I sleep and no longer wear it in the shower. I do not wear it when I work out. I take it off every time I wash my hands (a pain) and dry my fingers thoroughly before putting it back on. Essentially I make sure the skin under the ring never gets damp or wet.
I have not had the rash again.
- Greenville, South Carolina
2007
A. I have my ring for 5 years now, for the last year I have this rash, that comes and goes, I went to the doctor and she just told me to dry my finger and ring after I wash my hands. Well, it didn't work, I would wait until it heals and put my ring back on, and the rash would come back. Finally, I came up with an idea: I put my baby's diaper rash cream around the rash area, and I didn't have to take the ring off, IT WORKED! I am wearing my ring for the last month now and no rashes, but I put a little (really, just a bit) cream just to make sure, about 3 times a week, before I go to bed. I don't know but worked for me, I believe it is because that cream kills the bacteria caused by humidity. You can try, it will not harm anybody!
Ingrid D [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]nickel- Lake Worth, Florida
2007
Q. I have the same problem with my new platinum ring as everybody else here. I have developed rash under my ring after 2 weeks. Did anybody try the vinegar & peroxide solution on a platinum ring?
Ivett S [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Austin, Texas
Q. I just found this board after googling for wedding ring rash. It's so nice to know I'm not alone! After wearing my platinum engagement ring for over 5 years, and my platinum wedding ring for over 4, I got this terrible rash on my finger. It's very isolated there. But it's not the flaky rash many of you speak of...more of a blistery, red, swelling that both itches and burns. Does this sound like anything any of you have had? What worked best for it? I managed to get the rings off before my finger swelled too much, and I've been using a hydrocortisone, which is having no effect at best, and possibly making it worse! I have an appointment with a derm tomorrow, but curious if this matched anyone else's symptoms!
Sara P [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Atlanta, Georgia
A. I have a platinum eternity engagement ring and it's given me the red ring of rash. I used to have eczema as a child and I can tell you this is definitely a form of it. A friend of mine who is a high end jewelry designer said she recommends painting clear nail polish on the inside of the ring to seal it. Will write back with the results.
Julie P [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]Research - Los Angeles, California
2007
I am having a similar experience as others on this posting. I have been married for almost 2 years and this is the first time that my platinum set has done this. I have a red, blister-like rash that burns and itches. If I don't wear my rings for a few days, put hydrocortisone cream on it and keep it dry, it dries up and peels. Then, I think it is cleared up, so I put my rings back on--the rash comes back. I thought, like others, that either I needed to get the ring sized up, was not drying my hands well enough, my ring needed to be cleaned, etc. I am a nurse. I wash my hands many, many times during a day. I also use hand-sanitizer. I tried to stop using the hand sanitizer just to see if that was it--well, it wasn't it! Anyway, all that said--i tried the vinegar and peroxide mixture to clean my rings. Now I'm just waiting for my rash to go away so I can put my rings back on to see if the mixture really worked. So, I will let you know if it worked for me! Thanks!
Miranda T [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Powell, Tennessee
2007
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I just would like to say that if any woman out there who gets a greenish color under her ring finger without any rash, may be pregnant. I have a 14k wedding ring. not cheap and it turns my ring finger green every time that I am pregnant. This was the only time that it has happened, which seems odd, but was always a sign of pregnancy to me.Just something to think about. Tamara M [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Flint, Michigan, |
Q. I also developed an allergy to my white gold ring in the past year, after 30 years of ring-wearing without an issue. Red, flaky, itchy, bumpy contact dermatitis or eczema have been my prognoses. I've heard the stated causes - dirt/chemicals under the ring, metal allergies, etc etc. I've tried over the counter creams and prescription cream steroids but the rash always returned. I was thinking about getting a replacement band in platinum, but not after reading these posts. Doesn't it seem odd that there are so many who "suddenly" acquired this rash on an old ring? I read somewhere that there was a suspected connection between aluminum in underarm deodorants/antiperspirants, and developing metal allergies. Do we all use deodorants with aluminum in them? Is there more aluminum in these suddenly, more than there used to be? Something isn't quite right.
Karen D [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Vancouver, Washington
A. Nickel allergy is an acquired intolerance, somewhat like Poison Ivy. It is believed that the principal reason for the skyrocketing incidence of nickel allergy is the skyrocketing incidence of body piercings. This gives a much greater exposure to nickel than the historical average. Aluminum is, if I recall, the 3rd most common element on the planet so as a non-expert I personally think it unlikely to be the cause of a rise in allergies.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
I bought my wife a new wedding band for our 20th anniversary and we just picked it up today. Within one hour of putting it on her finger has begun itching and turning red. More fuel on the fire I guess but clearly she is reacting poorly to the ring.
Steve S [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Irvine, California
Hi. I was interested to see all the others with reactions to platinum. After wearing my platinum engagement ring for a year, and platinum wedding band for six months I developed a dry, scaly rash on one side of my finger. I switched to the right hand and for a while that was okay. But then it developed there too (still only on one side of my finger, toward the middle finger). I've used antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-itch creams, garlic cloves (mentioned in earlier post which helps heal, but doesn't completely go away), salves, essential oils, etc. etc. The only time mine has completely cleared up was recently when we traveled to the west coast. I'm guessing the extra humidity helped. But, alas, each time I put the ring back on it comes back. I haven't tried cleaning the ring myself. I may try the peroxide/vinegar solution. Incidentally, my rash started after I had the ring appraised by my jeweler. He had also cleaned and polished it. I wonder if it could be a reaction to some of the chemicals used in the cleaning/polishing process. Who knows. Sorry there's so many that have to deal with this. Strange isn't it?
Rachel P [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Exeter, New Hampshire
Q. I also wear (did wear) a platinum wedding ring, no problems for 3 years, then I had twins and 5 mos after I delivered my finger broke out in a rash. I have tried vinegar solution and all the creams and nothing has worked so far. I think it has something to do with hormones?
Jennifer E [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Corte Madera, California
Count me as another member in your group. Platinum eternity diamond engagement ring and eternity diamond wedding band worn for approx. 2 years with no problems. Now for the past few months I have been battling a rash on my ring finger that won't go away. Tried over-the-counter creams and finally went to the dermatologist today. He said that he has no doubt that it is an allergy and gave me a prescription cream called "Vanos" (fluocinonide cream 0.1%). I am going to try the vinegar & peroxide solution (but am afraid to boil them!) as well as wear the ring on my other hand to see if it happens to that finger as well. I, like a few of the other posters, did have a baby about 1 year ago. Not sure if that has anything to do with my sudden allergy.
Elaine [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Silver Spring, Maryland
I have also developed an allergy to my white gold wedding set and considered switching to platinum. I spoke with the design specialist at my jewelers, and she said that she also has an allergy to white gold, and that platinum is not the answer because of the COBALT alloy used in platinum, since platinum is nickel-free. It looks like 14k yellow gold is my best bet. So, the allergic reactions you are all exhibiting may be due to the cobalt used in making your platinum rings.
Gabrielle H [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Pennsauken, New Jersey
Unfortunately, I don't have anything new to add, but am relieved to find others with similar problems.
11 months ago, I had a baby and have been battling with a dry, flaky, red, itchy rash under my platinum wedding & engagement bands since shortly after my son's birth. I thought it was due to hand-washing (I'm a mom & a nurse so I wash my hands A LOT!) or the alcohol-based hand sanitizer used at work, but no matter what I did to alter my habits, the rash would still reappear after putting the ring back on.
I've tried neosporin, cortisone, and various steroid creams. I do have a history of eczema and EXTREMELY sensitive skin (hence the platinum bands) and had never thought about the possibility that it could be hormone related...hmm, might have to chat with the doctors about this one. Thanks for the info & good luck to all! If anyone comes up with anything, please post!
- Charlottesville, Virginia
Q. I wore my 14k wedding set for 23 years before just becoming allergic to it overnight. First I got a red ring around my finger and I also switched it to the other hand and got the same result. I also had 14k diamond earrings that I always wore with the ring. Last summer I got a rash all over my whole body. It itched badly! I went to the dermatologist and he thought I was allergic to nickel and said there can be a small amount of nickel in all metals besides platinum. I had to take steroids to get rid of the rash. He put a nickel patch on my arm that I wore for three days and took off with NO red spot. I told the doctor there was no spot, but he still thought I was allergic to nickel. It was my 25th wedding anniversary this January so my husband just bought me a new platinum wedding set and I'm already starting to itch all over my body. There is no red ring on my finger though and that doesn't itch at all. After reading these messages I realized I have metal in a dental implant. I have to find out what kind of metal that is. Has anyone else had a rash all over their body from this? I am 49 and am starting menopause and wondering if hormones are playing a part. I have to find a solution to be able to wear my new ring.
Dawn L [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- St. Louis, Missouri
Well, right now my house smells like cooking vinegar and peroxide
- my rings are boiling away and you should see all the bubbles coming from the diamonds! I have worn my 14k gold ring for six and a half years and all of a sudden I got the itchy red rash under my ring, I took it off and put Lotramin anti fungal spray on my hand and it cleared up.
Wore the ring for a day - and BAM it was back again itching more than the first time. I was hesitant to boil my ring but figure its worth a try.
HOPEFULLY this will cure my ills - I will post again as soon my itchy ring finger heals and I try to wear the ring.
THANKS FOR THE ADVICE, HERE I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM.
- Hamburg, Pennsylvania
2007
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Ed. note: Promises, promises. Where are you, Linda? It's 2013 -- hope you haven't been waiting 6 years for it to heal :-)
How thankful am I that there is the technology to reach a forum on this subject! I, like so many others have dealt with a red, itchy, blistery rash on my ring finger over the course of many months. I suddenly got the problem after wearing my platinum wedding band (my platinum engagement ring doesn't bother me) after 13 years! I tried cleaning it and using cortisone cream, to no avail. I was convinced there was nickel in the ring. My husband even got me a new wedding band for Christmas - but after 6 months the rash came back! SO -
I read about the peroxide/vinegar solution and boiling it for 15 minutes...and so far, so good! The ultrasonic jewelry cleaner
⇦ this on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil links] I have clearly isn't good enough...I'm sticking to the boiling routine.
- Cincinnati, Ohio
I agree with everyone else, it's nice to know I'm not alone! I have a 4-month old and wash my hands constantly - I noticed the rash under my rings while on vacation in the Bahamas. I thought it was the heat or maybe the water there, who knows - but I will say, it's not an allergy. I worked for Tiffany & Co., and I know that platinum is the best metal for people who have allergies, it's virtually impossible (very rare) to be allergic to platinum. Also, for those of you who suffer along with me, take off your watches when you shower...I've now not only got a rashy ring finger but a red circle on my arm where my watch face (stainless steel) got some moisture and dirt under it. Nothing on my arm where the bracelet (also stainless steel) is, just the face. So there goes the metal allergy theory - the myth is BUSTED!I'm trying the boiling thing as I type this! Thank you to those who suggested it!
Margie D [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Pompano Beach, Florida
Q. I came across this site after googling platinum and dermatitis. I had to take off my platinum engagement and wedding rings during dinner last night - while I was celebrating my 10th wedding anniversary! I have worn these rings continuously (in the shower, at the beach, overnight!) with no problems but in the last year or so have had to take the rings off due to a flaky, itchy, blistery rash. I have tried all types of creams, including anti-fungal (which didn't work). Some creams would provide temp. relief. I am afraid to boil my rings but after reading these posts it may be the only solution!
Are the rings boiled in the vinegar/peroxide? or just soaked in it then boiled in water? Sorry if this is a dumb question.
- E. Greenwich, Rhode Island
Just want to give everyone an update. I soaked my rings in the vinegar/peroxide solution for about an hour. Then I boiled them in water for 15 minutes. I waited until my rash healed before I started wearing my rings again - but I am happy to report that I have been wearing the rings again with no problem. I am optimistic since this rash would appear within a day of wearing the rings. I am so glad to have come across the information here. I starting having this problem after wearing my platinum rings for almost 10 years! Thanks to everyone who posted!
- East Greenwich, Rhode Island
I can't believe there are other people with this same problem.
A few weeks ago I slid off my ring and noticed a red scaly rash. I made the mistake of continuing to wear my platinum engagement and wedding band and the rash turned to small blisters on the middle finger side of the finger. I would stop wearing the ring, let the finger heal and try the rings on again. The rash reappeared. I tried just wearing my wedding band because I thought it was the two rings together pinching the skin. that didn't work. I used to wear my ring in the shower, to sleep, all the time.
I am going to try and peroxide and vinegar solution this evening. This is the most annoying thing to ever happen.
- Washington, DC
Just wanted to weigh in on those who have remarked on two things:
First, that a platinum allergy is impossible or nearly so. This is absolutely false. If you search the medical journals you will find several studies showing that a platinum allergy, while not very common, is certainly not nearly impossible or exceedingly rare.
Second, that aluminum cannot be related to allergies. This is also false. Aluminum has a very, very potent effect on the human body. Aluminum is the ONLY vaccine adjuvant licensed for use in the United States. An adjuvant is anything that can cause the body to create antibodies (to simplify it all). Aluminum is used in vaccines because it causes the body to react to the harmless antigens (altered virus or bacteria) that the body would not otherwise respond to at all. Without the aluminum, many vaccines would be completely useless. Aluminum practically FORCES the body to create antibodies, whether or not it is adsorbed to any particular protein or anything else. Studies have shown that you can inject aluminum into an arm and the antigen into a leg and still get the same result (immunity). Since allergies occur when the body creates antibodies to harmless substances, and aluminum causes the body to create antibodies to substances to which it is not in any way bound, it is extremely simplistic to believe that, because aluminum is abundant in the environment, it cannot cause allergies. Draw your own conclusions, but as a researcher in the field, I can assure you that aluminum is almost certainly a factor in the increase in the incidence of allergies. We are exposed to more now than we have ever been in the history of humanity - a LOT more.
- Corpus Christi, Texas
Thanks, Rebecca. I am from the metal finishing field and am fielding the questions based on experience with nickel allergy in industry and from what I've read. We're glad to see someone with professional research experience in metal allergies weigh in.
We'll be happy to have as much enlightenment as you have time to offer.
Still, speaking as an amateur, I would have guessed that men and older women wear as much aluminum-based deodorant as young women, consume as much aluminum in antacids, and ingest as much from pots & pans. Yet my understanding is that metal allergy is absolutely skyrocketing in young women, and is not nearly so much of a problem in men or in older women. So, while it is not impossible that young women have a different hormone situation that makes them more subject to problems with aluminum, I personally have been open to believing the reports that strongly link metal allergy to nickel-based body piercings (which seem to match that demographic very well), and slow to ask these young women to blame it on their deodorant or antacid.
Anecdotally confirming that demographic, the overwhelming majority of postings on almost every other subject on this site are from men, but we have very few metal allergy complaints from men. (If any men would like to report a metal allergy here we'd appreciate it -- and please tell us whether you have any piercings). Thanks again.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Writing in response to Ted's request for males with an irritation/allergy apparently due to Platinum rings. I am 24 and have had my ring for less than three months and am experiencing the exact same symptoms as all have written about here, red rash-like irritation directly underneath a Platinum Wedding Band. I have never had a piercing of any sort. The band is a product of Benchmark Jewelry. I will try the vinegar/Hydrogen Peroxide solution tonight in hopes of alleviating the irritation. Thanks to all for the advice!
Chris M [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Nashville, Tennessee
Q. I just wanted to thank finishing.com for this forum and for all of those who have posted. Four years of marriage with and suddenly the same rash that I assume most of you have had. I am trying the 2:1 distilled white vinegar:hydrogen peroxide ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] solution now. Extremely grateful for all the info...thanks.
Joshua T [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Clemson, South Carolina
I tried the peroxide and vinegar. No luck...rash came back. So weird; after four years of wearing the ring and suddenly: rash! Oh well, let me know if anyone figures this out for sure. Thanks!
Joshua T [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Clemson, South Carolina
2007
Wow! Who knew so many folks had all these issues with their rings!
After wearing my engagement ring which is white gold for 5 months with no issues, I put my wedding band on a couple weeks ago and all was fine until a few days later when I got this dry, red itchy rash on the inside of my finger.
I put a and d ointment on it and it sort of cleared up, so I put my ring back on and got the rash again.
This is so weird, I have had my rings on my other hand while my finger heals and it's fine on the other hand, no rash or anything.
So I think that you have to make sure that after you have washed your hands or anything like that, that you take the rings off and dry them very well, and your hand.
I'm going to try the solution thing that has been suggested and let you know how that works.
Thanks for posting that it's a big help!
- Denver, Colorado
Gotta love the internet
As others have said, it is a relief to know that many others have had this issue. I've worn my platinum engagement ring for one year and the band for six months without incident.
Now, the rash returns every time I put the rings back on (even when it seems to have cleared).
I will try the creams and cleaning solutions. If it doesn't work, I'll head to the doctor.
Thanks everyone. Good luck!
- Boston, Massachusetts
Q. Has anyone here had a problem with palladium rings? I have an 18k white gold ring that I began experiencing problems with during my first pregnancy (within one year of getting the ring) and by the middle of my second pregnancy, the red itchy sores on my ring finger had begun to blister and weep clear fluid. So frustrating! After researching on the internet I assumed I had a nickel allergy and have been considering trying to replace the ring with either platinum or palladium - but considering how many people seem to have those allergies as well, I am wondering if I shouldn't go back to the drawing board. Maybe I should get a metal allergy test, and if not allergic to nickel, perhaps I could try the peroxide-vinegar solution... Also, does anyone have experience with Titanium? At this point, I'll settle for any metal that won't give me a rash... especially with two small children, I feel quite uncomfortable when not wearing a wedding band.
Thanks for any info you can pass my way...
- San Diego, California
Thank heavens for the internet.
I thought I was all alone, until stumbling on this site.. Thank everyone for all of the information. I've been wearing a white 14k white gold wedding ring for 3 years, and started to get an irritated, itchy, now blistering skin underneath on the front of my finger. I left the ring off my hand for about a day or so, and it cleared up. Wore it and it kept starting again. I wore in on my other hand for just a day, and started to see symptoms on that hand as well.
I've tried jewelry cleaner, alcohol and nothing has changed.
I'm going to try the cleaning solution with the peroxide and vinegar and boil the ring (scary).
If this doesn't work, I'll go to the doctor and get tested for metal allergies.
- Chicago, Illinois
I can't believe I found this site but I too have developed the rash under my engagement ring after wearing it for 8 months with no problem. I went to the dermatologist today and he gave a prescription for 0.1% fluocinonide cream and also a recommendation for Theraseal Hand Protectant. It's like a liquid glove you can paint on your finger before putting on your ring which would inhibit contact. My ring is PT950 and while it is rare, he said I could be allergic to the platinum and also that frequent hand washing had most likely exacerbated the problem. He didn't recommend testing for metal allergies yet but that whatever it was, once an allergy "turns on" it takes some work to make it go away. He was confident I wouldn't have to have my ring dipped so hopefully it helps. Anyone come into problems (ruining their ring) by the peroxide combo?
Karen W [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Charlotte, North Carolina
I have been married for 12 years and I had a diamond gold ring. Never once have I gotten a rash from that ring in twelve years. I don't think it has anything to do with soap build up or fungus. It obviously has something to do with being platinum. I got a very expensive platinum ring for Christmas 2006 and wore it for 6 months with no problems. After six months I noticed that the finish seemed dull and one day my finger felt like it was on fire. I have had a red rash ever since(as it clears up it gets dry and scaly). I will take off the ring for a few days and it will clear up and as soon as I put it on immediately I get a rash. I can wear silver, gold , and even fake cheap jewelry and this is the only thing I am allergic too. I feel like the ring is coated and once this coating wears off your screwed. There should be some kind of disclosure when purchasing a platinum ring that states this is an often reaction. After reading all these cases with exactly the same situation I can't believe platinum is even allowed to be used!
Melissa C [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]Simi Valley, California
I am a jeweler specializing in estate jewelry, who has suddenly begun to experience the same type of reaction to my own wedding band, a wide antique platinum and diamond band. My symptoms mirror those referenced here. I have worn my wedding band (90% Platinum, 10% Iridium, Rhodium plated) for MANY years without any problem until two weeks ago.
On my right hand I always wear a 14k gold ring, and on my wrists I wear (also constantly) an 18k watch and a very wide 14k cuff bracelet.
Clearly a nickel allergy doesn't come into play here.
When my ring finger healed I donned a similar design wide band 14k rose gold and diamond ring and experienced no problem. I then switched back to the platinum ring and within a matter of hours the severe allergic reaction was back.
The only thing we all may have in common is chemical additives to our water supply. Thoughts?
- Stuart, Florida
Many of those who have posted here, myself included, report a physical anomaly which resembles a chemical burn.
The reports are literally all over the map. My instinctive reaction is to look for the single common denominator in disparate geographical locations.
My guess would be our water supply and a serious lack of proper monitoring needed to achieve the correct quantities of chemicals being added thereto.
Chlorine is a long time additive to our drinking water.
Fluorine as an additive is now a good bit more controversial, with a number of negative reports about the effects of fluoridated water finally surfacing.
Is there the potential of a chemical interaction between platinum and overly fluoridated water which, after hand washing, might remain trapped under a platinum ring, creating an acidic reaction, resulting in a chemical burn to the skin?
"The action of fluorine on platinum has been studied with special care. It is evident, in view of the corrosion of the positive platinum terminal of the electrolysis apparatus, that nascent fluorine rapidly attacks platinum at a temperature of - 23°. At 100°, however, fluorine gas appears to be without action on platinum"...."Its behavior with water is peculiar. With a small quantity of water a brownish-yellow solution is formed, which, however, in a very short time becomes warm and the fluoride decomposes ; platinic hydrate is precipitated, and free hydrofluoric acid remains in solution. If the quantity of water is greater, the solution may be preserved for some minutes without decomposition. If the liquid is boiled, it decomposes instantly."
Is any of this relative? Thoughts from any of you scientists out there?
- Stuart, Florida
I have the same problem! oh wow. I can't believe so many people are having this reaction to the platinum bands. I wore my engagement ring for a year & 1/2 and my wedding band for 3 months and now I am breaking out in the rash. my skin is red and I have bumps like poison ivy. I keep taking my rings off and putting on lotion. but it won't go away.
it gets very itchy and dry to the point it feels painful
- Coventry, Rhode Island
My husband and I chose platinum wedding rings 6+ years ago, and we've been wearing them without problems ever since.
About two weeks ago, I noticed a few little blisters on my middle finger. Then they appeared to spread to my ring finger, and I was worried it would become difficult to remove my ring, so I took it off. Low and behold, the skin under my ring was also beginning to blister, and within a day I had a freaky ring-shaped blister where my ring should have been.
The doctor thought it was an allergic reaction to a new soap or chemical (I had thought poison ivy or something had gotten under my ring) and proscribed a steroid cream to suppress the reaction.
It's getting better, but the area where my ring should be is still quite red and looks far worse than then other areas on my hand. It makes me wonder if a reaction to the ring started it all, as opposed to something "spreading" underneath the ring.
This site has definitely gotten me wondering!
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
Q. As everyone else that visits the forum... WOW! I am so glad that I am not a circus freak with the allergy to the wedding ring! I get the dry flaky skin between my wedding ring finger and my middle finger and it turns bright red. There are times when I cannot decide which is worse the itchiness or the burning.
I took my 14k gold wedding ring/engagement combo off and put it on the same finger of my other hand. Back on my wedding ring finger I have placed my Grandmother's engagement ring.
I have NO problems with the rings like this! The rash/problem heals and things are great. As soon as I switch the rings back to their proper places... BAM! I have a rash with in 12 hours!
Has anyone else been able to wear the ring that bothers them on their other hand without having any problems?
Donna
- Edgewater Park, New Jersey
OMG, I thought I was just crazy but googled the subject "rash on ring finger" and all of this information popped up. Thank goodness! I, too, have a platinum wedding band, engagement ring and just recently added an eternity ring to the set. I've also been wearing the wedding set for five years with no problem. The rash is exactly as everyone has described, red, itchy and with small blisters, almost like the rings burned my finger. I had to take the rings off for almost a month before the rash, turned dry, would peel and then finally went away. But within two days of putting my rings back on, it's back! I'm trying the peroxide/vinegar solution as I type this and have had my rings soaking overnight. I will have to wait until my finger is cleared up, but will post with the result later. Thanks to everyone who shared, now I don't feel like I'm a nut!
Susie G [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Birmingham, Alabama
Q. I had commented earlier and have since tried the vinegar/peroxide solution with no success. The rash came back just like before. I, then took the rings back to the store where they were purchased (a long-standing reputable jeweler here in town) and without hesitation the lady told me that what I had was a "soap-burn" caused by washing my hands frequently. She said it is caused by the lye in the soap and she sees it all the time. She said to make sure that my hands are dried completely before putting my rings back on and to take them off at night and when I'm at home. Also she said to clean the rings more frequently to remove the soap build-up. Does anyone have any thoughts on this conclusion?
Susie G [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Birmingham, Alabama
A. Susie G said "I, then took the rings back to the store where they were purchased (a long-standing reputable jeweler here in town) and without hesitation the lady told me that what I had was a "soap-burn" caused by washing my hands frequently. She said it is caused by the lye in the soap and she sees it all the time. She said to make sure that my hands are dried completely before putting my rings back on and to take them off at night and when I'm at home. Also she said to clean the rings more frequently to remove the soap build-up. Does anyone have any thoughts on this conclusion?"
I am a soap maker and I can tell you that there is NO LYE in soap (unless it is badly made, in which case whatever skin it touches would be raw and red, not just under rings!), all the lye is used up by the chemical reaction (saponification) that makes soap out of the ingredients used, namely lye and fats. The truth is, most commercial "soaps" sold these days, unless they are specifically labeled with the word "soap" are not soap at all, they are detergents, possibly mixed with soap, which do dry your skin. (see if your label says beauty or bath bar instead of soap!) Drying your hands, anyway, would not get rid of lye if it was on your skin, you would need to neutralize it with an acid, like vinegar or lemon juice, as lye is a base; or at the very least, rinse with lots of water. If it was a "soap burn" it would be all over the hands, not just under rings. I only use my homemade soaps now, no detergents, even for washing dishes, and I still get the ring rot in the summer. I am going to try the vinegar-peroxide solution too, as I am sure it is some sort of fungal infection, which probably leaves spores or the fungus itself on the rings, which is why it returns even after the finger heals. It only happens on my ring that is semi-hollow under the stones, which to me seems to trap moisture on my finger, which fungus loves...
- Franklinville, New Jersey, USA
June 7, 2011
2007
I too am a member of this unfortunate club. For 25 years I wore gold with absolutely no problem and for the last 8 wore platinum and gold with no problem until recently. My ring finger symptoms are the same as most except I do not have the burning...yes to the itching, discolored ring on the top of my ring finger and sometimes the little clear bumps.
I have always cleaned my ring with jewelry cleaner and am very conscious about washing my hands. I never sleep in my jewelry and regularly take my rings in to have them checked and cleaned (overdue this year). I finally had to yield to removing my ring. It helped somewhat, but definitely requires more work.
I have been considering going to the doctor, but will try the antifungal and the vinegar/peroxide cleansing first.
It is good to know that this is not an isolated situation. I read the entire list of postings. Good information. Thank you!
- Louisville, Kentucky
I have suffered from this rash terribly in the past 8-10 years...it has only gotten worse with time. I have just finished cleaning my platinum wedding bands with the vinegar/H2O2 solution..at least they are sparkling now and it did pull all the gunk out of the grooves on the underside of the ring...we'll have to wait and see if it helps prevent the return of the rash once I can clear it up. I just rubbed garlic on my fingers...ring, middle and little as they are all affected by this rash. I do also suffer from this rash more mildly on my right hand so I treated it with garlic and cleaned my other (mostly silver) rings with the magic solution as well. Since I moved here in 1996 with my husband and first child, I've had 3 more children so the references to the pregnancies and the rash are curious...I've also suffered several pregnancy losses in between the successes. Curiously, we live where we have well water and when I first noticed the rash it was late summer or early fall in drought conditions. I began to think the rash was due to the high concentration of minerals in the water due to the drought. Also, my first born (in a fall season) in this home had severe gastric issues and could not tolerate her formula prepared with our well water or the bottled water with vitamins and minerals added. I imagine there is some correlation between the mineral and metal content of the water more so than the platinum bands alone that contribute to the rash. Of course when I used to work in a lab and now at home with 4 kids my hands are constantly being washed and being exposed to soap, cleaners and water that all settle in under my rings. I also got little ball bearing like weights placed on the underside of my diamond band to keep it form rolling toward the underside of my hand. Potentially these are not platinum but may contain nickel...it was so long ago I don't think I cared about that at the time..the rash hadn't yet appeared. Soooo...one more remedy for all of you is Nexcare Skin Care dry skin crack repair polish...you brush it on the dry, cracked, itchy, blistery yucky skin and it seals it so it can heal from the inside. Keep reapplying it until your rash clears and then maybe use some on your finger regardless, just to keep it sealed from the water and the metals in your rings when you dare to wear them again. I have my wedding bands around my neck on a black cord right now...I hope to wear them again some day if all these remedies work. For now the garlic is making me want to cook something good for dinner...
Rose D [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Bluemont, Virginia
A. This is mainly for Rose D ... I seriously think that most of this "rash" is caused by yeast infections. It happens much more often than people think. I have had this rash on both my fingers, experiencing most of what many people on this site did, and am finally getting rid of it. In the last week (it would be more effective if I wasn't eating so much sugar b/c of the holidays), I have started eating 2-3 cloves of garlic after each meal, and after 2 days, my fingers finally stopped itching. I mean, I tried Neo-Predef powder (usually used in animals for ringworm), cortisone cream, clortrimazole, and even alcohol scrubs to try to get rid of the itching and rash. I also started just dabbing some plain yogurt on my rash and that has seemed to help so much. I really suspect that I have a BAD candida problem (UTIs, endometriosis, I have the worst yeast infection that I have ever had right now that is going away, allergies, IBS, etc.,) and I am finally starting to feel better. Last month I had a miscarriage, and I feel that this has something to do with it. Also, DON'T DRINK YOUR WELL WATER. For that matter, don't bath in it either. When I used to live in Blacksburg, I would get these horrible rashes during rainy times...most likely more chemicals from the farms in the water. I didn't even let my dog drink it after a while because he would mysteriously get mast-cell tumors about 3 in a 9 month period. They stopped coming when I started filtering his water. It could be a coincidence, but you decide that. Also, you can get either a filter for your shower head, that can be used to fill up your bath or to shower in. And there are also home water distillers that you can buy (@400 bucks, but I think it is worth it). I hope your problems resolve, and please consider these recommendations. I am not that healthy, but I believe I have started to address my problems. Less sugar and more goal of 10 servings of vegetables a day is my goal. I am also thinking seriously of buying a juicer for the vegetable juice. Kind of gross tasting, but worth it too. P.S. Don't try eating fresh garlic on an empty stomach, unless you enjoy vomiting.
Irene M [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Thank you all for sharing. I'm not out of my mind - (or at least not with regard to my yucky finger). I too suffer from the wedding band allergy. I had never worn a ring on my wedding finger until I got engaged and then enjoyed a beautiful white gold engagement ring for nearly 2 years. While planning for the wedding band, we upgraded to a platinum engagement ring (which I wore for about 3-4 months with no infection) and then my platinum eternity band (also worn combined with the platinum engagement ring for another 3 months without incident). Then, out of nowhere, up pops these red oozy blisters that itch like crazy and make my finger swell. I will try the vinegar/peroxide solution tonight but have started to have some luck with a poison ivy anti-itch scrub followed by Aveeno's anti-itch concentrated lotion. Tried the cortisone which dried it but returned as soon as I replace the rings. I wish you all luck and will report back if I find a solution that works. Thank you all for sharing and to finishing.com for providing this great forum.
- Nashua, New Hampshire
I have the same problem! Only my "ring rash" is under a white gold and diamond ring. Wore it for 1 1/2 years with no problem...then one day - BAM!- horrible itchy rash. I take off the ring, the rash clears up. Put the ring back on, rash comes back.
But here is the weird thing - I waited for my rash to heal, then gooped on tons of triple antibiotic ointment under the ring. I was able to wear the ring for about a week and a half with no problems. I was so happy! Then tonight, I noticed that the ring looked a little dull so I took it off and scrubbed it with hand soap and a toothbrush. I rinsed it, dried it, and put it back on. Within FIVE MINUTES the rash was back! I have put cortisone on the rash and did the vinegar/H2O2 boil to the ring - we will see if it helps and I will post again to update.
Thanks to all for posting their symptoms and remedies!
- Redding, California
What a relief to read all these posts, but so frustrating that there is no 'magic answer.' I wore my platinum engagement ring and white gold wedding band for 5 years with no problems. Then, 4 months after my first son was born, itchy red bumps on the inside of my ring finger. When I took the rings off, it healed. Put them back on, rash came right back.
After a year or so of this on/off, I borrowed a band my mother wasn't using and had success wearing it - I assumed it was because her fingers are slightly larger. But now, 5 months after the birth of my second son, I am having the problem again. So I wonder about the hormonal link.
It seems clear to me from all the different advice posters have received from various doctors and jewelers, that no one really knows what this is and why it happens.
- NYC, New York
tip This method WORKS! I was suffering from this mysterious "platinum ring rash" and it was so sad to not be able to wear my beautiful ring from Tiffany & Co. I knew the ring was of excellent quality. I'd tried to have it professionally cleaned, to no avail. THEN...I soaked it in 2 parts vinegar to ONE part hydrogen peroxide, and boiled it for 10 minutes. I've been able to wear it for weeks now with no rash reappearing. To be on the safe side, I do take it off at night, and I also thoroughly dry my hands (and ring) after washing.
Heidi C [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Washington, D.C.
A. I called my jeweler and he told me to coat the underside of my ring w/ 2 applications of CLEAR NAIL POLISH. He said it is not an allergy but the time of year. Worth a try!
Bridgette Doe- Chicago, Illinois
January 4, 2008
Thanks for confirming that I have a problem with my platinum ring and not my marriage! I started wearing my platinum ring on a regular basis after a job change. That is when I would develop painful, sometimes itchy, red bumps around wear I wore the ring. The swelling was great enough that I can not get the ring on the finger. I have no problem with silver ring I wear. I'll probably switch to all gold or silver wedding band. But as a guy, I have attachment to the marriage symbol of the ring and not the ring itself.
- Granite Bay, California
January 24, 2008
First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this awesome website. Here is my story. I have been wearing my platinum engagement ring with solitaire diamond for 4 years without any problems (no rash.) I had been wearing my platinum wedding band (w/channel set diamonds, so not a lot of metal)for 2 years and took a trip to South American one month after my 2nd wedding anniversary. I only brought my wedding band with me for safety reasons, and somewhere along my 2 week trip, I started to develop a red, itchy, flaky, weepy, blistery rash on the inner aspect of my ring finger (i.e., on the side closest to my middle finger, aka 3rd inter-digit space.)
Since I wasn't home, I kept on wearing my wedding band, and the rash got worse, to the point where I could not really wear the band anymore because the itching and swelling was really killing me. When I came back home to the US, I tried Neosporin ointment on the finger, thinking that some strange bacteria or something got into my wedding band when I was in Argentina and created a local infection/cellulitis. Unfortunately, Neosporin did not help. I then decided that maybe what I had was a delayed contact dermatitis (which you can get even after wearing/using something for years) which wouldn't have been so shocking since I have a lot of allergies and asthma, etc. So then I tried a 1% hydrocortisone ointment, which helped for about one day, but then the redness reappeared. I thought maybe the hydrocortisone wasn't strong enough, so I started using a prescription strength steroid cream (Mometasone.) That did not help either, only caused more aggravation of the red, itchy rash. So I just gave it time and let it heal.
It healed to about 90% and then I was so excited that I wanted to wear my rings again, only this time I decided it would be good to just try each ring individually to try and see if one was the culprit. To my surprise, I put my engagement band on (the one that I didn't have on when the rash began in South America) and I had it on for about 12 hours, then as soon as I took it off it was red, and the next morning again the weepy rash with blisters appeared. That is when I first found this website. After reading all the entries I decided that what happened was that something got into the wedding band in South America and that the dirt caused a local reaction on my finger. So I took the cleaning solution advice and cleaned both my engagement ring and my wedding band in 2:1 ratio of distilled white vinegar to hydrogen peroxide, soaked it for 15 minutes, then boiled it for about 10 minutes (cleaning it with a toothbrush the whole time.) My rings looked gorgeous and sparkly! Then I put my wedding band back on (after I thoroughly dried it) for only 2 hours, and the next day, the rash was back again. So I guess it wasn't dirty after all? I took my wedding band to the jeweler the very next day and had it dipped in rhodium (well, I thought I was re-dipping it, but it turns out that my ring was never even dipped in rhodium in the 1st place, it is 95% platinum, 5% alloy and the major component of the alloy turns out to be nickel.) I just got my wedding band back two days ago, and I am happy to report that I have been wearing it for two days and am rash-free. I should let you know though, that while my wedding band was getting dipped in rhodium (and then professionally cleaned afterwards), I was wearing my engagement band (same platinum/alloy percentage)without any problems (no rash!) As you can see, I'm stumped by this. I guess something may have gotten in my wedding band after all and I just didn't clean it enough with the peroxide/vinegar solution OR my finger started having a reaction to the alloy (although highly unlikely as I have no problem wearing belts and belt buckles are almost always made of nickel) and the rhodium just covered up the alloy so my skin wasn't directly touching it.
In any case, I'm grateful to all of your postings because without them, I wouldn't have thought to clean it at home, dip it in rhodium, or have it professionally cleaned. I really don't know what happened, but now it seems to have dissipated. I'm going to post again in a few weeks with an update, but I hope this has helped! If you are still stuck, then I recommend doing all of the above mentioned things, maybe one of them will work for you after all...
Also I forgot to mention this above, but I also tried anti-fungal creams and it cleared my finger up the very next day, but then when my finger was 95% better and after I had cleaned my wedding band with the solution, I still got the rash so I decided the anti-fungal cream probably didn't do a whole lot, it just got better on its own (by the way, I used Loprox, it's prescription anti-fungal cream.)I thought it was fungal because I also wash my hands a lot at work and my rings get wet, and I gained weight recently so I thought that was the perfect setup for a fungal infection, but oh well. And it is highly unlikely to have an allergy to platinum, it really is the most hypoallergenic metal out there.
Good luck to everyone!
- NYC, New York
January 24, 2008
I too have just begun to have a rash from wearing my platinum wedding set. I wore the set for 4 years without problem and after just having a baby have suddenly started getting a rash. I took the ring off for about a month and the rash went away...put the ring back on and the rash reappeared in 2 days.
I assumed that the rash was due to washing my hands so frequently so I am currently in the process of trying the vinegar and peroxide mixture....I will then sterilize the ring. I plan to wear it on the other hand to see if it worked. I know that I'm allergic to nickel....but there is not nickel in the ring....I'm highly sensitive to nickel and would have had a rash at least once in the last 4 years if it were that. If the rash appears on the other hand I will go see an allergist to determine if there is some other metal that I now have a sensitivity to.
I will post an update.
- Los Angeles, California
January 26, 2008
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