Silicone rings are so comfortable that you may want to wear this jewelry all day. When a ring made of any material is worn all the time, bacteria will begin to multiply and may eventually irritate skin. Rings made of silicone are strong enough to stand up to regular cleaning and disinfection. Find out the best ways to keep bacteria levels in check as well as a few distinctions between the most commonly reported symptoms of silicone allergies and ring rash caused by bacteria.
Regularly Clean Silicone Rings
There are several effective methods for cleaning a silicone ring. The most simple method is to regularly wash a ring with soap and hot water. One of the best ways to do so is to put a few drops of dish soap into a cup before filling the cup with warm water and soaking the ring. Rinse off the ring under running water while rubbing your fingers over any grooves.
If you have sensitive skin or have experienced irritation when wearing a ring in the past, you may want to soak a silicone ring in hydrogen peroxide. Pour hydrogen peroxide into a cup or container and drop in the ring. Any bubbles that rise indicate that the peroxide is eliminating the presence of organic matter from the inner and outer surfaces. Scrub the ring with a jewelry brush or toothbrush and rinse or boil the ring to eliminate bacteria.
Keep Bacteria at Bay
Bacteria can build up even more quickly when a ring is worn in the shower or while sleeping. A combination of bacteria and body and hair care product residues can accumulate under the ring and cause skin irritation. It is a better idea to take off a ring or use this time to soak the ring in soap or hydrogen peroxide.
When you wear a ring overnight, sweat can cause bacteria to flourish. At the same time, increased blood flow may cause fingers to swell. A tighter-fitting ring may be more likely to lead to irritate skin. Taking breaks from wearing a ring during bathing and sleeping may prevent common causes of irritation.
Allergic Reaction or Ring Rash
The symptoms of a silicone allergy and bacterial irritation are often similar in appearance. Skin under and around a ring may start to itch as a bumpy rash appears in the shape of the ring. If you have a known silicone allergy, you should not wear rings made of this material. Consult a medical professional if you have a reaction immediately after putting on a silicone ring. Silicone should not cause allergic reactions for most wearers.
If you have been wearing a silicone ring for days, weeks or months before irritation develops, ring rash is the more likely cause. Clean the ring with soap or peroxide or by boiling. You should wait for the rash to clear up before resuming wear. Bacteria is prone to form between skin and rings made of almost any material. The close fit of a silicone ring can trigger irritation unless the ring is kept clean.
