As we grow and change, so do our ring sizes. When we outgrow our current ring sizes, we tend to try and hold onto our current jewelry, even if it doesn’t fit well. Wedding bands are one of the few pieces of jewelry that are a physical manifestation of the lifelong commitment between two people. And, if you can’t fit the ring anymore, then it means you’re not committed anymore, right? Wrong. In fact, wearing a ring that doesn’t fit anymore is actually dangerous. Rings that are too tight can cause ring avulsion, and, if you don’t remove the ring properly or the avulsion is too severe, then you might not have a finger to even put a wedding band on anymore. Here’s how to take a ring off a swollen finger, and prevent it from happening again in the future! Ring Avulsion Ring avulsion happens when your ring pulls on the muscles, tendons and nerves in your finger. It’s not only painful, but it can cause you to almost lose your fingers. In fact, some people do lose theirs! Some characteristics of ring avulsion are: Swollen skin around a ring Itching, burning skin around a ring Red skin around a ring Loss of feeling in finger Skin pulled (especially after a ring is caught on something and pulls on your finger) Blue/black skin on your finger Exposed muscles and nerves These are major signs of ring avulsion, and it’s important that you get to a hospital to have your ring cut off if you’re experiencing any of the last two. Utilize Our Ring Size Chart Before Ordering Ring Avulsion vs. Allergies Some people wonder if they are allergic to the material in their rings instead of wearing a ring that’s too small or large. An important way to know if your ring fits properly is to measure using a ring size chart. If the ring you’re currently wearing doesn’t match the number listed on the chart after taking the measurements, then you’re probably experiencing ring avulsion. If it does match, then you might have an allergy. It’s important to wear rings made from quality materials, which is why silicone is such a great option. In fact, our silicone rings are made from hypoallergenic materials, which is perfect for those with sensitive skin. The only way your skin will be irritated is if the ring comes in direct contact with an irritant and you don’t wash it off before putting it on your finger. Otherwise, your ring shouldn’t give you any allergy signs if it fits properly! What to Do If Your Ring Is Stuck Sometimes, your ring can get stuck, especially if it’s not properly sized. To alleviate this, there are some steps you can take. Gather your materials. Sometimes, you’ll need to use different materials, such as Windex, Vaseline or even butter. You might also want to get a paper towel or a glove with grip if you have one. Guys Love Men's Silicone Rings Use Windex. Spray some Windex on the ring and your finger and then try twisting it off gently again. While you might think this option is a little out there, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand actually recommends it! And, who are we to say no to the professionals? Windex has ammonium hydroxide in it, which breaks down certain properties in order to make things smooth. This is great for your ring on your finger, as it can break down any sweat or grime that has built up on your ring and could be causing it to stick. Use a lubricant. Some of the best lubricants include petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or butter. Simply rub it on your ring and the finger as a way to loosen the jewelry and slide it up your finger. Get Your Ring Resized One of the easiest solutions to a ring that’s the wrong size is to get it resized. Metal rings are easily resized because they can be cut and then have metal added and soldered down until the ring looks brand new. With silicone, however, you can’t resize the ring. But, since silicone rings are typically less expensive than metal rings, you can easily order a new ring without having to worry about the hassle of getting your old one resized. We have a variety of men’s silicone rings and women’s options that come in matching sets or can stand on their own!