Jewellery can complete your outfit. But do they also carry bacteria? Are rings, for example, unhygienic at work? And does shaking hands with someone wearing rings make things less hygienic? Or are your hands and rings, after washing, just as clean as without jewellery? In this article, I’ll explain everything.

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Are rings at work unhygienic?

In one study, researchers looked at the number of bacteria carried on the hands of healthcare workers. Two groups were examined: one group wearing rings and one without. Both groups consisted of 100 participants, making 200 in total. They were all asked to shake hands with researchers wearing sterile medical gloves. The bacteria transferred to these gloves were then analysed.

The results showed that the workers wearing rings carried more bacteria than those without. However, there was no difference when it came to the transmission of bacteria. Both groups transferred bacteria at the same rate. So while hands with rings were less clean, this did not mean they spread more bacteria.

Cleaning rings at work

But what happens when you clean your hands? Do your rings get cleaned as well, or do bacteria remain?

Researchers at Loma Linda University in California looked into this. In their study, participants wore a ring on one hand. They then cleaned both hands using either a povidone iodine scrub, an alcohol wash, or a waterless alcohol chlorhexidine lotion. After cleaning, they put on gloves. The researchers then analysed the bacteria found on these gloves.

The results show that hands with rings are just as clean as hands without rings when cleaned with alcohol chlorhexidine lotion. However, povidone iodine leaves more bacteria behind on hands wearing rings. Waterless alcohol chlorhexidine leads to the lowest bacterial levels, regardless of whether participants wear a ring.

Rings banned in healthcare

It becomes clear that while rings may carry more bacteria, they do not automatically spread them. If you do wear rings, it is important to pay attention to how you clean your hands.

Still, because bacteria can be present, healthcare workers are often not allowed to wear rings during work. And that makes sense.

Want to read more about hygiene and appearance at work?

Also interesting:

• Nail polish at work: a hygiene risk?
• Artificial nails at work and hygiene
• The history of protective workwear in healthcare

Kind regards,

Aileen