HEALTHNET

Does wearing accessories such as ring and bracelet affect the blood flow?

Wearing accessories like rings may affect your blood flow only if it is particularly tight, and, for bracelets, chunky, with sharp-sided beads and charms.

Q1. My friend told me that wearing accessories such as ring and bracelet will affect the blood flow, is it true?

A1. Wearing accessories like rings may affect your blood flow only if it is particularly tight, and, for bracelets, chunky, with sharp-sided beads and charms.

Some accessories, made of zinc or copper, claim to have an effect on blood circulation because of their magnetic property. Some even advertise to be able to "restore the body's energy flow". They are advertised and touted as an effective treatment to provide relief to various painful conditions such as arthritis or rheumatic disorders. However, there is no scientific basis, either theoretical or experimental for such claims.

Q2. How should I avoid the condition, say wearing the accessories for a shorter period of time?

A2. Any accessories such as bracelets or rings that make your hand feel numb and cold must be taken off immediately. It will take a short while until warmth and feeling start returning to your hand. Putting them on again is not advised.

Bracelets, or any sort of accessory that you might wear on the hands, must not make you feel uncomfortable when you are writing, or when you push your accessory towards your skin.

As the name implies, accessories are not absolute necessities. If your work requires a rather lot of writing or typing, it would be best to wear sleek, smooth accessories. Leave your fashionable, chunky jewellery for holidays and outings.

Q3. When I remove my ring, I notice a mark on my finger that makes me feel itchy and sore. Has it done anything to harm my circulation?

A3. No. The chances are you are allergic to it.

Nowadays, many accessories are made of plastic or synthetic material, which may also cause skin allergy. You should also be aware of the fact that many jewellery items, even expensive ones made of "gold", contain nickel.

Nickel is one of the most common culprits of allergic contact dermatitis - a skin inflammation caused by direct contact with an allergen. The condition commonly develops after prolonged contact with nickel. Nickel allergy often develops after ear piercing if earrings containing nickel are used. The patient can become sensitive to any jewellery containing nickel that is in contact with the skin. A bracelet, a ring or a wristwatch containing even traces of nickel can cause problems, resulting in itchiness, redness, soreness, rash, swelling, and discharge or blistering.

Q4. How should I choose accessories?

A4. The best advice is to buy loose and reasonably sized accessories that are comfortable to wear and fashionable to make you feel chic.

If it is a ring, it should be able to come off in a slight tug. For a bracelet, it should be loose enough to travel down your arm a few centimetres when you raise your arm. When you press it towards your skin, it should not give you a stinging sensation.

If you have any kids, or if your work involves looking after small children, make sure that your accessories are safe with children. They should not have sharp edges or bits that can easily come loose. Some accessories are made of materials that can cause skin allergy in susceptible individuals. So watch out for the labelling.

Source: Quality HealthCare