My body doesn't like me...

When my wonderful husband Kevin proposed to me three and a half years ago, he chose a beautiful platinum 1 carat diamond engagement ring from Bailey, Banks, & Biddle in Virginia. Kevin had picked this ring all by himself and I have to say, when I first saw it, I LOVED IT!

For our wedding, I chose a platinum wedding band with 1/3 carat diamonds in a channel setting. I have worn both of these rings for over 2 years now and suddenly (as if overnight) my body is responding with an adverse reaction to my rings.

For the last several months now, I have developed a very itchy, red, scaly, bumpy rash on my "ring" finger that just doesn't seem to heal. I've tried topical creams including hydrocortisone, Neosporin, you name it---but the rash just keeps coming back. As the rash gets better, it dries, and then peels. Lovely, I know. :)

The rash has gotten better recently, but that's because I started using my own hand soap (Avalon Organics, Rosemary Glycerin Hand Soap) in my office. The office bathroom soap must be made from "lye," because it just strips my skin, leaving my ring finger rash just burning....Oww...

That said, the fact remains that I am unable to wear my rings.

I've "Googled" this very problem on-line and it appears I may be suffering from bacteria growing on my rings. The increased humidity here on Okinawa is probably a culprit as well. Sooooo....that said, I am going to try the "home remedy" I read about which includes soaking my rings in 2 parts white vinegar, 1 part hydrogen peroxide and then boiling the rings in water for about 20 minutes. What you say? Scared of boiling ? Yep, I am.

I'll keep you posted on how it goes. For now, all I have on my ring finger is a bright yellow waterproof "Put on a Happy Face" band-aid. HA! The irony....

Does anyone else (this is for those of you out there in cyberland) have this problem? Anyone else develop this rash two years after wearing their rings without any problem? What gives?


~Chrissy