I've got this little problem I've no idea what to do. I figured y'all might have a good solution for me. It has to do with my wedding/engagement rings. They're getting a little tighter on my fingers, which really isn't that big of a deal. Some days I can remove them, and some days I can't. The problem is that they are REALLY CHAFFING my finger. I will wake up in the middle of the night and my finger is really itching/hurting to where I can't get back to sleep. I took them off last night and am now wearing them around my neck on a chain. I did that once before, about two weeks ago, but I don't consider that a permanent solution. I DON'T like having them off my finger, KWIM? I don't want them re-sized, am not sure you can even do it because they were rather inexpensive rings to begin with. I've put baby powder on my finger, hoping that will help and it does a little. Does anyone have any brilliant ideas? I've been wearing them for 12 years without problems, and now this!!! Thanks!
Jackie, You might try using some bacitracin or antibiotic ointment vs the baby powder. The baby powder will mix with water and cause 'gunk' and irritate your finger more. When I'm retaining water, I take mine off at night and at times will wear just the band. I'm pretty sure you could have them resized if you want too. I used to work in jewelry and we used vaseline to get them off; with the snickering threat of get "the finger cutter!" :wink: Resizing can be less expensive if you have some of your own gold to add, like a broken necklace or something that could be melted down. hth Tammy
I know exactly where you are coming from. I have ezcema and haven't been able to wear my rings in almost two months. I hate it with a passion. I haven't been able to find anything that really works to moisturize my skin and help but the closest I have come is Neutrogena hand cream, not the lotion, but the cream. Crisco shortening helps too as odd as that sounds. Since you said your rings are tight you may want to remove them before you do anything that could get them dirty, from cooking to washing dishes, it could all leave stuff on you rings even after you washed you hands. Make sure you clean them and sterilize them too. I soak mine in hydrogen perioxide mixed with boiling water and haven't had any problems from tarnishing or anything like that, mine are 10K with diamond and two other 10K with amethyst and aquamarine. HTH
Ever see a column called Everyday Cheapskate? The lady who writes it just covered this topic, and someone suggested Windex. I can't picture it, but they swear it works. It kept them from cutting a ring off, if I'm not mistaken.
Jackie, I have some samples of a product that may help you. I am an Independent Watkins Associate, and we carry a product called Red Clover Salve that is used to treat eczema, skin rashes, skin irritations (and is also a great for cuticles). Anyway, this salve contains bee pollen, lanolin, and vitamin E in a base of olive and safflower oils. It smells really good (my Mom loves it). I have a friend who is being treated for her eczema by a nutritionist, and she got some of this salve and said it is helping her. I'd be happy to mail anyone a sample (I have four right now) if you want to e-mail me and give me your mailing address. The sample would last for quite a white, I think, so you could really tell if it works for you. Trudy Powell www.mo3bk.com mo3bk@juno.com (e-mail me for a sample)
My daughter has eczema to the max. She is on a prescription called Elidel that is non-steroidal, but for the inbetween times we use Eucerin lotion. It is the best that I have ever seen, aside from udder salve we used when I was a kid! That was Bag Balm...I think they still make it, but it doesn't have the same antiseptic smell that it used to--and I miss that smell! :cry: Anyway, Eucerin Plus has Alpha Hydroxy so it would work well on the flaky parts, but my daughter cries when we use that formula cuz it irritates her skin. Trudy, I would appreciate a sample of your cream if you don't mind. We would like to find a natural remedy if possible, especially since we are gearing up for a worse-than-usual midwestern winter IMHO. My e-mail is adonikam7@hotmail.com.
Jackie, I never had problems with my rings until two years ago when I got similar symptoms to yours. I had to switch to Bath and Body works antibacterial soaps for all my daily hand washing around the house. At night I take my rings off and use a couple drops of something my dad got from a dermatologist called Elocon. He has terrible exzema in the winter and is allergic to soaps and detergents. During the winter months I have to slide my rings around my finger a bit to make sure I dry it off good after washing since the moisture makes my finger raw. ps. the Lansinoh cream for breast feeding moms works great on your finger while wearing rings to keep off moisture and make sliding the rings off yor finger easier. JMB
Rachael made a skort for 4-H, and wore it yesterday at the 4-H Fashion Show at the County Fair. Brilliant me never even considered that Watkins would have a booth there! I asked about the stuff Trudy suggested, and put a little on my finger (I am currently wearing my wedding band, but not my engagement ring). Brooke, the lady at the booth says she knows people with eczema that it has cleared up. She says it has to do with a vitaman/mineral deficiency and even when it clears up, they need to continue with this stuff. I had gone ahead and ordered some from a gal I know that sells Watkins, or I would have bought some yesterday at the fair! Johnna, I may consider switching soaps, too. We currently use Soft Soap Antibacterial for our hand soap. I am careful any more about getting dry underneath, too. But Body and Bath soap is kind of expensive, isn't it? Maybe I can use the other stuff for everyone else...... Am glad to know I'm not the only one "allergic to marriage", LOL!
Jackie, So glad to hear you were able to try some of the Red Clover Salve. I have mailed some to the girls who have asked for a sample, so I hope it helps with their eczema, dry skin, or whatever skin problem they may be having. Another great salve Watkins carries is the Old Red Barn salve - great for dry, cracked skin that many get in the winter. I think one of the reasons people like these Watkins products so much is because they use so many botanicals and natural products. I think some of these "old home remedies" are really the best because they have stood the test of time, and they don't have a lot of "extra stuff" in them. If anyone else wants a Red Clover Salve sample, let me know, as I have two left. I can also send a catalog if someone wants one, as they have other medicinal-type products for burns, cuts, scrapes, aches, pains, etc. Also, lots of good dietary supplement items and some "Children's Chewables" vitamins that are really great - no artifical sweeteners, just pure fruit sugars (fructose). Here's hoping for smooth, clear skin for everyone! (smile) Trudy Powell mo3bk@juno.com (e-mail if you want a catalog or sample)
My daughter is also extremely sensitive to soaps and detergents......her Dr. says the next step is living in a bubble! :shock: :lol: Anyway, we use Oil of Olay for Senstive Skin. It has to beat the prices of the Bath and Body Works products. Here is a bit of a trick that I used on a watch that caused me problems and it might work until you find another permanent fix for the irritation......try coating the underside with clear fingernail polish. It will flake after a few days and will need reapplied, but for a temporary fix it might at least keep you looking betrothed! :wink:
Jackie, I buy the soaps when they are 3 for $10.00 and I am the only one in the family who uses them so the cost is low compared to all the things I had to buy to heal up my hands. Sometimes they have them 5 for $15.00. I am allergic to the one you mentioned. I can also only use Tide for my laundry ... my two daughters have to use Dreft or they break out...my son has no skin allergies ! Hope you find something that works. JMB
Wowee, Johnna! I thought I had it bad! At least the rest of us don't break out with what dd has to use.....the bar soap mentioned earlier and Tide Free are the ONLY things that I've discovered that didn't give her a severe reaction. I am planning on trying goat's milk soap since I've heard it is mild as well....maybe even get the goats to make it! :lol:
