Skin developing a greenish discoloration is a common, often temporary, and typically harmless phenomenon. It usually occurs for various reasons, leaving many curious about its cause. Understanding why skin might turn green helps clarify this occurrence.
Common Causes
The most frequent reason for skin discoloration is contact with certain types of jewelry. Metals like copper, brass, and some forms of sterling silver are common culprits. Jewelry made from these materials can readily transfer a green tint to the skin, often observed with costume jewelry or less expensive pieces containing higher percentages of these reactive metals.
Brass jewelry, an alloy of copper and zinc, is particularly known for causing this green tint. Copper is a primary component in many alloys, including bronze and gold karats below 24k. Even sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver, typically contains 7.5% copper for durability. The presence of copper in these metals is often the direct link to the green discoloration.
The Chemical Reaction
The green discoloration on the skin is primarily the result of oxidation. When metals like copper come into contact with oxygen in the air, moisture from sweat, and substances on the skin like lotions or makeup, a chemical reaction occurs.
Copper reacts with these substances to create copper compounds, often copper carbonates, which possess a distinct green or bluish-green hue. Sweat, containing salts and acids, acts as a catalyst, accelerating this oxidation. Skin acidity, influenced by diet or stress, can also affect the reaction’s speed and intensity. These colored compounds then transfer onto the skin as a temporary stain.
Safety and Health Concerns
Generally, green discoloration from jewelry is not harmful. It is a temporary cosmetic issue that can be washed away and does not indicate a serious health problem or allergic reaction.
However, some individuals might experience mild irritation or allergic responses to certain metals. This reaction, known as contact dermatitis, involves redness, itching, or a rash, which is distinct from the green stain. Nickel, sometimes found in jewelry alloys, is a common allergen that can cause such skin reactions. If irritation occurs, remove the jewelry.
Preventing and Treating Stains
To prevent skin from turning green, select jewelry made from less reactive metals. Options include high-karat gold (18k or 24k), stainless steel, platinum, titanium, or rhodium-plated silver. These materials contain minimal or no copper, reducing the likelihood of a chemical reaction. Rhodium-plated sterling silver also offers a protective barrier against discoloration.
For existing jewelry that causes discoloration, apply a thin layer of clear nail polish or a specialized jewelry sealant to the parts touching the skin to create a barrier. Keeping both skin and jewelry clean and dry helps minimize reactions, as moisture and sweat accelerate oxidation. Removing jewelry before activities involving water, like showering or swimming, or before applying lotions and perfumes, can also prevent staining.
If a green stain appears, it can typically be removed with simple household items. Washing the affected area with soap and water is often sufficient. For more stubborn stains, rubbing alcohol or a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda can gently clean the skin. These methods help lift the colored compounds from the skin’s surface.