The most frustrating scenario has unfolded. You just said yes to the proposal from the love of your life and received a beautiful engagement ring. Now, you might be experiencing an allergic reaction to the ring.
We’re here to help you figure out why this reaction is happening and what steps you can take to prevent skin irritation from getting worse.
What Causes My Allergic Reaction to My Engagement Ring?
First and foremost, it’s important to note that only a dermatologist or allergy specialist can accurately answer why you’re allergic to your engagement ring. However, as jewelry experts, we do have a good idea of what the possible reasons might be.
You’re Allergic to the Metal Used in Your Engagement Ring
This is likely the answer to “Why do I have an allergic reaction to my engagement ring?” Metal allergies affect approximately 15% of people on average. This reaction occurs when your body identifies metals as toxins due to an autoimmune response. This can result in symptoms such as rashes, skin inflammation, itching, or blisters.
Here are common metals used in rings that you might be allergic to:
- Gold
- Platinum
- Silver
- Tungsten carbide
- Titanium
- Palladium
You’re Allergic to the Metal Components in Your Engagement Ring
You might also be allergic to the components used alongside metals in your engagement ring. For example, platinum rings aren’t made from pure gold. Gold itself is too soft to withstand the rigors of daily wear. Alloying metals is a method used to combine different metals to create a stronger, more durable product.
Metals used for alloying make rings more suitable for daily wear:
- Silver
- Copper
- Nickel
- Iron
- Zinc
- Tin
- Manganese
- Cadmium
- Titanium
These could be the metals used in alloying that you’re allergic to. The most common reason for an allergic reaction to engagement rings is nickel. In fact, nickel allergy is one of the most common reasons for contact allergies. It’s also one of the commonly used metals for alloying.
What to Do If You Have an Allergic Reaction to Your Engagement Ring
First things first. If it truly is your ring causing the reaction, you need to identify what’s causing your reaction, and then take the ring off to let your skin heal. If you suspect you’re having an allergic reaction to your engagement ring, take the following steps:
Remove the Ring – If your skin is inflamed and irritated, you need to let your skin rest and heal. This can also help you determine if it’s your ring causing the allergic reaction or something else.
Find Out What Your Ring Is Made Of – You need to know what metals and components were used to make the ring. You can contact the jewelry store where you purchased the engagement ring to do this.
See an Allergist – If your skin doesn’t heal or continues to be irritated, it’s best to see a doctor to identify the root cause of the problem. Untreated skin allergies can lead to infections.
Replace the Ring – If you determine that it’s indeed your engagement ring causing skin irritation, it’s best to replace it entirely with one made of hypoallergenic materials.
Once you understand the true cause of the allergic reaction, you’ll be better equipped to take the right preventive measures to ensure you avoid this situation in the future.
