Sensitive Skin, Swelling and Pregnancy

A red, itchy patch under a ring is often not an allergy at all. Soap, hand cream and moisture trapped under the band can irritate the skin, especially under wider rings. It is sometimes called wedding ring rash.

Take the ring off to wash your hands, dry the skin and the inside of the ring thoroughly, and clean the ring regularly. If the irritation fades, that was the cause.

A true metal allergy is usually a reaction to nickel, which is present in some white gold alloys. If the irritation persists, see your GP or a pharmacist, and tell your jeweller.

Platinum 950 is very pure and very rarely causes a reaction. 18k gold contains less alloy than 14k, so it is less likely to irritate. If you know you react to nickel, ask for a nickel-free white gold, or choose platinum or yellow gold. Mention any sensitivity before the ring is made.

Fingers swell with heat, exercise, flights, salty food and at the end of the day. A ring that is comfortable in the morning can feel tight by evening. If it regularly leaves a deep mark or is hard to remove, it may need resizing. Our fit guide explains what a good fit feels like.

Many people find their fingers swell during pregnancy, often most in the later months. Take rings off before they become difficult to remove, rather than waiting until they are stuck.

While they are off, you can wear them on a chain around the neck, on a larger finger, or on the other hand. Some people wear a simple, slightly larger band in the meantime.

Avoid resizing a ring during pregnancy. Fingers usually return to their previous size in the months after birth. Wait until they settle before deciding whether a resize is needed.

Rings are usually removed before surgery, including a caesarean section, so it helps to take them off in good time before a planned birth.

If a ring will not come off and the finger is painful, numb or changing colour, get medical help straight away. Our guide to removing a stuck ring explains the gentle methods to try first.