When do you remove a curse and how do you equip carried items?

[johnnyRolePlayer]

I know you remove a curse once a penalty takes effect, there were some cards that seemed to stay without a way to get rid of it.

Also, on items that are carried but not equipped, how do you unequip an item so you can use the carried item. I had a big two hand item of +4. I then put down a big two hand that was +5. I could not equip the +5 because I already had one, so it was being carried.

How would I ever get to play the +5 and either carry or get rid of the +4?

Thanks.