rings turning my fingers black??

I am 6 months out and just had my labs done and everything is fine, but this past week my wedding band and other gold rings have turned my fingers black! Has anyone had this happen? I know it happens with cheap jewelry, but I have been wearing this ring for 27 years and it never happened before. Any suggestions?

It's more likely something in your environment -- like baby powder and lotion getting caught under the rings. I've had this happen from time to time myself.

Hi Nancy, Here is what I found... Why Does Gold Discolor Fingers? Based on the article by Randy Welch, Research and Development You may think that faulty manufacturing or underkarating might be the problem when a ring "turns," blackening or discoloring either your skin and clothing, or the jewelry itself. However, that is not the case. The most common reason is metallic abrasion, caused by makeup on the skin or clothing. Cosmetics often contain compounds harder than the jewelry itself, which wear or rub off very tiny particles. Very finely divided metal always appears black rather than metallic, so it looks like a jet-black dust. When this dust comes into contact with absorbent surfaces such as skin or clothing, it sticks, forming a black smudge. To prevent this, try switching cosmetics. If this is not possible, try to remove rings and other jewelry while applying them, and clean skin areas in contact with jewelry with soap and water. Another cause is the actual corrosion of the metals. Gold itself does not corrode, but its primary base-metal alloys of silver or copper will do so, forming very dark chemical compounds (under moist or wet conditions). When you perspire, fats and fatty acids are released and can cause corrosion of 14karat gold, especially when exposed to warmth and air. This problem can be worse in seacoast and semitropical areas, where chlorides combine with perspiration to form a corrosive element that discolors skin. Smog fumes gradually attack jewelry and are evident as a tarnish that rubs off on the skin. Try removing your jewelry often and using an absorbent power, free of abrasives, on skin that comes into contact with jewelry. Even the design of jewelry can be an influence. Wide shanks have more surface area to contact abrasives or corrosives. Concave surfaces inside a shank (a hollow underneath) form collection points that trap moisture and contaminants, also causing a type of dermatitis. Always remove all of your rings before using soaps, cleaning compounds or detergents, and clean your rings frequently. .ellisjewelers.com/why.htm ------------------- I had heard that it was a vitamin deficency ... if it's really bugging you and the above doesn't work, call your nutritionist. She would know if you are too low in a specific vitamin or nutrient... good luck LeeAnn

Thank you all for your imput. LeeAnn, Thank you especially for the research. I do take my rings off when putting on lotion, make up etc. I clean them often and its happening to each one on any finger I put them on. Thats why I didnt think it was that they needed cleaning or anything like that. I do swim 5 days a week. The part about corrosion under wet or moist conditions made me think that may be the problem. I will have to start taking them off to swim. My iron levels are really good so Im sure its not that. Never heard of the lead involvement. I will have to research that more. Thanks for all your imput. I knew I could count on you guys!

Lead exposure will do that too.

The same thing has been happening to me. I was told that if we are low on Iron it could cause this. My blood work is fine but I still have days I get that black dusting. I ahd never heard of the cosmetic thing before . Not sure on that but just thought I would share that my rings are doing the same thing. Kelly

Hi Nancy I had it happen before when on Atkins and in Ketosis. Some people will have this happen due to the ketosis. So for me it was a good sign that my fat burning mechanism was working hard for me. Now that I am eating the carbs and out of ketosis it does not happen. I did go back high protein after the holidays and found it happening again. I know skin ph does affect metal jewelry I turn silver black as well. Remind me to bring this up at a knowbs support meeting we can poll the others as well! Amanda

Thanks Amanda! I will try to remember to bring it up, or will remember as soon as I look at my hand. LOL

Amanda, Do you have a DS support group up there? I would love to come sit in on one if you do....

Our support group is open to all wls, however the majority of us are DS all with Dr Peters out of Scranton PA. However we have 3 RNY and one Lapband all had surgery out of town too. We would love to have you come Our next one will be March 21 7pm Barnes & Noble Cafe. Amanda