I’ve recently put my wedding and engagement rings back on after about 18 months of their hibernating in a cupboard. It wasn’t marital woe that caused me to remove them – but, less distressingly, a manky finger. Early on in the pandemic, my ring finger began to itch, redden and weep to the point where removing my jewellery altogether became unavoidable. I’m another common case of hand dermatitis.
According to consultant dermatologist Justine Hextall, the number of patients seeking help for cases of contact dermatitis apparently caused by rings, bracelets, watches, fitness trackers and protective gloves has increased significantly in the past two years (up to 23% of healthcare workers are sufferers).
