How to Get Rid of a Stain on Skin from Silver Jewelry

Most silver jewelry is coated with rhodium to prevent skin staining.

When a green stain appears on your skin after wearing silver jewelry, you're likely to think the jewelry was cheaply made. But this isn't always the case. All silver oxidizes over time, resulting in tarnish. A high level of acidity in your skin can accelerate the process and leave a green stain on your skin. There's no need to be embarrassed by this unsightly stain. Washing and polishing new silver jewelry for a couple weeks will eliminate the staining. In the meantime, you can get rid of stains left by silver jewelry with supplies commonly found in the bathroom.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth
• Liquid soap
• Towel
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton ball

Instructions

1. Remove the silver jewelry for easier access to your stained skin.

2. Moisten a washcloth with warm water. Add 2 drops of liquid soap to the washcloth.

3. Rub the soapy washcloth on your skin to remove the discolored stains from the jewelry.

4. Rinse the washcloth with warm water and wring out the excess moisture. Wipe the soap off your skin. Dry your skin with a clean towel.

5. Treat any remaining discolored areas by cleaning your skin with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. Wet the cotton ball before wiping the rubbing alcohol over your skin. Wipe your skin dry with the clean towel to remove the rubbing alcohol and remaining stains.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean and polish your silver jewelry to prevent tarnish on the jewelry and stains on your skin.

• If your skin turns green, black or gray each time you wear jewelry you may have an allergy to some of the metal alloys. See your dermatologist to determine how best to handle this.

References

• Gem-Fashion: Why Rings Turn Fingers Green
• McGill University; Why Does Silver Jewelry Turn Black?; Jesse Lowenfeld; 2003