TABLE 1.

Associated risks and recommendations for hand jewelry in the healthcare setting

Jewelry	Associated pathogens	Evidence	Recommendations
Rings	Staphylococcus aureus Candida albicans Acinetobacter species Stenotrophomanas maltophilia Escherichia coli Serratia marsencens Proteus mirabilis	Skin beneath finger rings is more heavily colonized with bacteria than bare digital skin. Microbial counts increase in a stepwise manner with each additional ring. Rings may inhibit proper hand washing and drying.	Wearing a metal ring on the finger should be avoided when caring for patients. A metal ring can be worn on a necklace and tucked under clothing or a disposable gown. Washable silicone finger rings can be used in place of metal wedding bands. The silicone ring should be removed prior to handwashing and frequently washed with soap and water.
Watches & bracelets	S. aureus Enterobacteriaceae Gram‐negative rods	Wrist jewelry may interfere with proper handwashing technique. Skin cannot be dried properly if wrist jewelry is present.	Handwashing should include the hand and the distal half of the forearm. All wrist jewelry worn below the elbows should be avoided in health care settings.