Gold Ring Rash After Cleaning: Causes & Solutions

Question
I have been wearing my gold wedding ring for 25 years. recently, we were on a trip to Israel and visited a jewelry store where they cleaned my ring.Ever since then, I have been breaking out in a horrible rash every time I try to wear my ring. It never gave me any trouble in 25 years. Could it have been something they cleaned it with? If so, what can I do about it? I've tried washing it myself, to no avail.

Thank you!
Debbie

Answer
Debbie, I am sorry about the problems you are having.  

Is your ring white gold?  If not, something else is going on. If it is white gold, there is a possibility of nickel sensitivity in your body.  The nickel reaction can come on suddenly for someone with no previous problems.  A man I know at a recognized refinery and metals supplier researched the problem and the possible sudden onset of nickel sensitivity was a conclusion reached.  If white gold, I suggest you have the ring rhodium plated to provide a barrier between the ring metal and your skin. Rhodium will wear away eventually and will have to be redone sometime down the road if the sensitivity is still a part of life.  

If the ring is yellow, the inside of the ring may be given a rhodium plate, leaving the outside part you see the normal color.  This plate may help reduce the sensitivity problems.

As for the cleaning of the ring, I see little reason to believe this was the basic cause of your reaction. I have no idea what could have been used as a cleaner to bring on the skin reaction.  The cleaning and the skin reaction are a coincidence in my thought.


You may have the ring professionally polished inside and out and cleaned then see if the reaction persists.  If the condition continues, the only viable suggestion  for temporary protection lasting longer than other means is the rhodium plating.

Reactions like this are often a mystery and can involve new prescriptions, new lotions for the skin, changes in body chemistry and many other elusive factors.  If you know of any obvious changes in body chemistry due to medicine, internal changes, etc.,or of changes in lotions and cleaning products you may use, do what you can to control that aspect and see if it makes a difference.

Debbie, I wish you the best in this. Unfortunately there is not a simple answer in most cases of sensitivities to jewelry.

God Bless and Peace.  Thomas  July 10, 2008   6:55pm