Can Silicone Rings Irritate Skin?

There are a few concepts you'll likely be thinking about for any ring you purchase, and one of these will be ensuring it's comfortable and healthy on your skin. Some people may have reactions to different ring materials, reactions that may irritate the skin or cause related problems -- some of these issues might be related to allergies or other genetic issues, while others may have to do with the way you wear the ring. 

At Enso Rings, we proudly offer a wide selection of silicone rings, including everything from wedding and engagement rings to fashion options like our Etched Floral collection and more. We're often asked about our rings and skin -- particularly, can silicone rings irritate the skin? The answer is yes, but with some significant caveats, including in comparison to traditional metal rings. Here's a look at this basic area for those who are wondering.

Silicone Rings are Hypoallergenic 

While it's true that skin irritation from silicone rings is possible, it's much less likely and common than with other ring types like metal. This is for one key reason: Unlike metal, silicone is hypoallergenic. Silicone does not contain any known allergens and usually won't cause an allergic reaction for the vast majority of people who wear it.

Metal, on the other hand, is able to harbor bacteria in a way that silicone simply can't, and this bacteria can commonly cause skin irritation. It's not uncommon to see people with open wounds or rashes on their fingers from wearing metal rings (particularly if they fail to properly clean them), while this is extremely rare when it comes to silicone.

Silicone Allergies

Now, while it remains true that silicone rings do not contain any known allergens and won't harbor bacteria in the same way as metal, it is still possible to have a reaction to silicone itself. If you know that your skin has reacted poorly to another type of material in the past -- such as plastic or latex - then wearing a silicone ring may not be right for you.

However, we want to caution our readers that a past plastic or latex allergy or sensitivity does not necessarily guarantee that you can't wear a silicone ring. While these materials are indeed similar, they are not identical -- and it's possible you could find a silicone ring that is right for you even with a history of plastic or latex sensitivity.

That said, if you are unsure about whether your skin will react well to silicone rings, we recommend purchasing one from Enso Rings and wearing it for a few days to see how it feels on your finger before making any commitment. If it ends up causing any skin irritation -- particularly if you're experiencing anything beyond some initial discomfort or mild itchiness -- then discontinue use immediately and talk to your doctor about other options.

Other Causes of Silicone Ring Skin Irritation

If you're confident you do not have a silicone allergy, but your skin is getting irritated by a silicone ring anyway, the most likely explanation here is that you're doing something wrong when it comes to ring wear and care. Here are some examples:

• Trapping water inside the ring: If you wear your ring in the shower, wash dishes with it on, or otherwise involve water in its use -- whether over time or even with a single exposure -- then that can cause skin irritation. The best way to avoid this is simply to remove the ring before any activity where water will be used, no matter how briefly.

• Failing to keep the ring clean: Rings can get dirty, and it's important to keep them clean. If you're not cleaning your silicone ring consistently, then particles of dirt and grime may be irritating your skin. Keep your ring in good shape by washing it regularly with soap and water, keeping an eye on any discoloration that might show up on your finger (which may indicate a buildup of dirt, oil, or other residue), and cleaning it regularly with our Enso Rings Cleaner.

• Wearing the ring for too long at a time: If you wear your silicone ring all day, every day -- even if you're careful to remove it before water-based activities -- then that can also contribute to skin irritation. The best way to avoid this is by wearing your ring for shorter intervals of time, giving your finger a break when necessary.

However, even some of these possible risks are limited at best. For instance, many people shower with their silicone rings on -- as long as you take just a few seconds to properly dry the ring when you're done, the risk of trapping water inside is minimal. Similarly, silicone rings are designed to be resistant to bacteria and other contaminants, so even if dirt or grime does build up on your ring it's not going to cause long-term discomfort and irritation.

Ultimately, regardless of whether you have a positive reaction to silicone or not, it's important to do everything you can to avoid skin irritation. And if you ever experience symptoms like skin redness, rashes, or blistering, discontinue use immediately and speak with a medical professional.

That's it for this section on silicone ring skin irritation -- remember, though, that we're here to help at Enso Rings. If you ever have any questions about making sure your silicone ring is as healthy and comfortable as possible, just contact us or visit our blog!