How to remove a ring from a swollen finger: 7 easy ways

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Most often, the problem can be dealt with in a matter of minutes.

How to remove a ring from a swollen finger

Here are seven life hacks that will make the task easier. Use any or try them one by one until you find a suitable one.

1. Do not pull, but twist

Try removing the ring by rolling it gently on your finger. As if it were a threaded nut. Just don't pull too hard or twist if the ring refuses to turn. If it doesn't work, go to the next method.

2. Raise your hand above the level of your heart

For example, put it on your shoulder for 10-15 minutes. This method reduces the flow of blood and lymph to the finger. As a result, the swelling may become less, and the ring can be removed without any extra effort.

3. Dip your hand or swollen finger into cold water

Under the influence of cold, the vessels constrict. This improves the flow of blood and lymph from the swollen toe. The puffiness becomes less, which means that it will be easier to remove the jewelry.

To enhance this effect, first immerse your finger in cold water for a few minutes, and then raise your hand above the level of your heart for another 3-5 minutes, as described above.

4. Tighten the skin

Skin folds that collect at the joint sometimes interfere with removing the ring. Ask someone close to pull your skin under the upper phalanx and joint.

5. Lather your finger

Don't spare the soap. It will create a slippery film on the surface of the skin and thus reduce friction between the finger and the inner surface of the ring.

To prevent the fingers of the other hand - the one with which you are removing the jewelry - from slipping, grasp the ring through a napkin. Again, try to remove it in a circular motion.

6. Use scotch tape

This is a more advanced version of the previous method. Take regular transparent tape and wrap it around your finger from the nail to the ring. If possible, try to tuck the edge of the tape under the jewelry.

Now lather your hand well. Twisting the ring, gently pull it towards the nail. As soon as the tape is underneath, the jewelry will jump off your finger.

7. Wind the thread around your finger

This method is recommended by the staff of the rescue services. It can help if other methods have not worked. You will need a paper clip and a strong, thin thread about 1 meter long. And a little patience as well.

Take a paperclip and thread the thread through it, stretching it about 10 cm.

Carefully push the paperclip under the ring.

Some people recommend using a needle instead of a paper clip to thread the thread under the ring. But this is dangerous: you can accidentally pierce the skin and thus increase the swelling of the finger.

Remove the paperclip from the thread - it has completed its task. Now hold the short end of the thread with the thumb of the hand on which the ring is worn. With your other hand, wind the long end tightly between the jewelry and the joint.

The part of the finger below the ring, closer to the nail, will swell even more in the process. Don't worry, this is normal. Once you've almost completely wrapped the long end of the string around your finger, lock the rest of it between your middle and ring fingers.

With your free hand, take the thread by the upper end and begin to gently pull it out from under the ring, twisting it around your finger.

As you pull the thread out, the ring will slowly move towards the nail. A little patience and it will slip off your finger.

Where to go to remove the ring from a swollen finger

If, despite all your efforts, the ring does not give in, contact a specialist. The best option is to the regional department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations or the city rescue service. You can find out their addresses or even call home help by calling 101 or 112.

Commercial rescue services provide the same services.

With the help of a special tool, rescuers will bite the ring without damaging the skin. At the same time, they will assess the swelling and general condition of the finger and, if necessary, recommend that you consult a doctor - traumatologist, surgeon or therapist.