Don’t panic ❤️ It looks like the ring is stuck, but don’t keep pulling hard, because that can make the finger swell more.
Try these steps in order:
Raise your hand above your heart for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling.
Cool the finger with cool water or a wrapped cold pack for several minutes. Don’t use ice directly on the skin.
Apply plenty of liquid soap, cooking oil, or petroleum jelly around and underneath the ring.
Gently twist the ring back and forth while pulling toward the fingertip. Don’t force it.
If it still won’t move, stop trying rather than making the swelling worse.
🚨 Get help urgently if:
The finger becomes blue, purple, very pale, or cold
You develop numbness or tingling
The pain or swelling is rapidly increasing
The ring is becoming tighter and tighter
In those circumstances, go to an emergency department or urgent medical service so they can cut the ring off safely. A jeweler may also be able to remove it if circulation is completely normal and there’s no significant swelling.
Don’t wait for the ring to come off if the finger is losing normal color or sensation.
See more on the next page
