Safely Remove a Bracelet from a Swollen Hand: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pregnancy, weight gain, allergies or insect stings can result in swollen hands that makes rings, bracelets and other jewelry difficult or seemingly impossible to remove. The easiest and most painless way to remove these items is to cut them off, but for those wishing to preserve precious items, such as wedding bands and sentimental bracelets, this is not an option. Fortunately, there are a few ways of lubricating the swollen hand and wrist area in order to maneuver the bracelet into a more desirable position.

Things You'll Need

• Lotion
• Water-based lubricant
• Window cleaner

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Instructions

• 1

  Hold your hand as high as comfortable for a few minutes to reduce swelling.

• 2

  Place your hand wrist-deep in a ice cold water to reduce swelling.

• 3

  Lather up the hand and wrist with lotion or a water-based lubricant. If the bracelet is made of a valuable material like gold or silver, use a less-harsh lubricant like window cleaner. Use a liberal amount.

• 4

  Streamline the hand by flattening the thumb onto the palm as if creating a hand puppet.

• 5

  Press the bracelet down against the skin and slowly push it up towards the fingers.

• 6

  Do this gradually and precisely to prevent injurious indentions in the hand.

• 7

  Cut the bracelet off either surgically or at home if personal removal is found to be impossible.