My Wedding Ring Is Turning My Finger Black – What To Do

By Mackenzie •  Updated: 11/15/21 •  3 min read

We’ve all heard the saying “wedding ring turning your finger black”. This is a common problem that many women have. It’s not an uncommon occurrence and you don’t have to be married to it. This article will explain what causes this and how to treat it.

Why is this happening?

This is caused by oxidation, which occurs when oxygen and moisture combine in the air and cause a chemical reaction on the surface of the metal. The more moisture there is in the air, the more likely this will happen.

What causes this?

There are several factors that can cause your wedding ring to turn your finger black, such as:

  1. Wear the ring during physical activity. Wearing a wedding ring while doing sports, gardening, and other activities can cause the ring to become less shiny. When you’re wearing a ring that’s less shiny, the more likely that oxidation will occur.
  2. Wearing the ring in water can cause rust to form on the metal surface of your wedding band. Wearing your wedding band in a swimming pool, lake, or ocean is a common reason for this problem to occur. This is caused by wearing it underwater for extended periods of time and then drying it out in air-conditioned rooms or hot baths.
  3. The longer you wear your wedding band, the more likely it will turn black due to oxidation occurring on its surface as a result of wearing it for an extended period of time without cleaning it with soap and water regularly.

How can I prevent this from happening?

Here are some tips that will help you avoid this problem:

  1. Wear your wedding ring when you’re not doing any physical activity, especially in water or on an athletic field. If you have to take your wedding ring off for an extended period of time, make sure that you clean it regularly and dry it out in air-conditioned rooms or hot baths to prevent rust from forming on its surface.
  2. Don’t wear your wedding ring when swimming or taking showers or baths in the ocean, lake, or pool. Wearing your wedding ring while taking a shower or bath in the ocean is one of the most common causes of this problem occurring and could cause rust to form on its surface if you don’t clean it regularly with soap and water after swimming in the ocean.
  3. Wear your wedding band for only a few hours at a time instead of wearing it all day long like most people do today because that’s how long it takes for oxidation to occur on its surface if you wear it all day long. This is especially important if you live in a humid environment.
  4. Keep your wedding ring away from strong acids, alkalis, and strong solvents such as household cleaners, swimming pools, and hot tubs to prevent rust from forming on its surface and causing this problem to occur.
(Visited 289 times, 1 visits today)

Mackenzie

Mackenzie is a freelance writer with over ten years of experience writing on all things weddings. She received her BA in English from the University of California in Los Angeles. When she’s not writing about weddings, Mackenzie enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 kids (twin boys) exploring the beautiful California countryside. While in nature, she captures picturesque images of mountain lakes, the beach, and more. Mackenzie is also a pet parent to two Siamese cats. She appreciates their individuality and the fact they pretty independent. But they love to snuggle at the end of day, which is one of the things Mackenzie enjoys in the evenings to relax after a busy day at work.