Question:
I have horrible black marks on my hands or face, where ever gold touches

WHen I wear my wedding ring, my finger turns black where ever the gold touches. Also, if I run my ring across my face, it leaves a dark black line. I have heard this is from some Vitamin or Mineral problem, but I can't find anything about it. Has anyone else had this problem? THanks Kami Lap RNY 10/21/02 262lbs/229lbs    — Kami C. (posted on November 25, 2002)

November 25, 2002
I seem to recall that it is an indication your iron is low and that you are becoming anemic. I can't supply any facts to back it up though. Make sure they check your iron levels at your next blood tests.
   — Melissa F.

November 25, 2002
Well, this used to happen to me with lower karat gold (10 k), so I checked it out. Apparently it has nothing to do with your iron levels, but is related to the acidity of your skin. Changes in body chemistry from stress or other factors can cause this to happen when it didn't appear before. The "cure" is to wear higher quality gold jewelry (18 karat) or platinum, which are more inert and don't contain copper. Tell THAT to your significant other. I mean, Christmas is right around the corner! LOL
   — ctyst

November 25, 2002
Aloha Kami!!! I have the SAME exact problem. Get this.... it is linked to my HORMONES!! lol Whenever I am getting ready to ovulate, my body has a chemical reaction with the alloys in the gold. Wherever the gold touches, I turn black. If I rub it on my skin, it looks like someone has beaten me to death!!!! It is the strangest thing.. Personal question... but are you close to your period?? That is when I notice my skin turning colors. Especially under my ring finger. The more I rub it... the darker it gets. My doctor told me that it was nothing to be alarmed about. I was checked for anemia but that was not an issue. He said that with anemia, it would be TRUE bruising.. not just temporary discoloration. Hope this helps!! Hugs, Kathie (in Hawaii) Open RNY / 08-07-02 Down 93 Pounds!!!
   — KathieInHawaii

November 25, 2002
Hello.....my sister has been that way since she was a teenager and it has never changed(she is 27 now). Her jeweler told her that it is acid levels in her skin. I agree with the idea of platinum. My sister has to wear platinum.....I'm sure she doesn't mind though...lol.
   — DRutherford