Elevate the hand above heart level for 5 to 10 minutes
Apply cold water or ice wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling
Use soap, dish soap, lotion, petroleum jelly, or oil around the ring and finger
Gently twist the ring while pulling it off
Wriggle the ring back and forth instead of forcing it straight off
Compress the finger by wrapping it with dental floss or thin string from the fingertip toward the ring, then unwind from the base side
Try removing the ring after soaking the hand in cool water
Keep the hand relaxed and avoid repeated hard pulling
Stop if the finger becomes very painful, numb, blue, or swollen
Seek urgent medical help if the ring will not come off or circulation seems affected
Have a jeweler, urgent care, or emergency department cut the ring off if needed