Metals That
Discolor Skin
Why Do Rings Turn Your Finger Green? Meet the Metals That Discolor Skin
bt
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Have you ever had a ring turn
your finger green or wondered why some people say rings turn their fingers
green?
The reason this happens is
because of the metal content of the ring.
Here's a look at what's
happening.
When
a ring turns your finger green, it's either because of a chemical reaction
between acids in your skin and the metal of the ring or a reaction between
another substance on your hand, such as a lotion, and the metal of the ring.
There are several metals that oxidize or react with your skin to produce a
discoloration.
You can get a noticeable
green ring around your finger from wearing a ring made out of copper.
Some rings are pure copper,
while others have a plating of another metal over copper or the copper may be
part of the alloy (e.g., sterling silver).
The common green color is not
harmful of itself, though some people experience an itchy rash or other
sensitivity reaction to the metal and may wish to avoid exposure to it.
A
common culprit is silver, which is found in sterling silver jewelry, plating
for inexpensive jewelry, and as an alloying metal in most gold jewelry.
Acids cause the silver to
oxidize, which produces tarnish. The tarnish can leave a dark ring on your
finger.
If
you are sensitive to metals, you may see a discoloration from wearing a ring
containing nickel, though most likely this will be a red ring and may be
associated with inflammation.
HOW TO AVOID GETTING A GREEN
FINGER FROM A RING
Even silver and gold jewelry can produce a discoloration, so
advice for avoiding a green finger isn't as simple as just avoiding cheap
jewelry.
However, certain metals are
less likely to turn green than others.
You should have good luck
with stainless steel jewelry, platinum jewelry and rhodium plated jewelry,
which includes nearly all white gold.
Also, you'll greatly reduce the chance of any ring turning your finger green if
you take care to keep soap, lotions and other chemicals away from your ring.
Remove your rings before
bathing or swimming, especially in saltwater.
Some
people apply a polymer coating to their rings to act as a barrier between their
skin and the metal of the ring.
Nail polish is one option. Be
aware you'll need to reapply the coating from time to time, since it will wear
away.
.
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