# Using gold to test for anemia **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 11, 2004, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-gold-to-test-for-anemia/228709 "2004-02-11T20:14:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![HOTPINK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/f19dbf/32.png) [@HOTPINK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HOTPINK)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2004, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-gold-to-test-for-anemia/228709/1 "2004-02-11T20:14:00Z")
Is it true that rubbing your skin with gold can test whether you have anemia? I was told that if there’s a mark that lingers after rubbing, you have it. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2004, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-gold-to-test-for-anemia/228709/2 "2004-02-11T20:18:39Z")
No, it isn’t true. Some cheap “gold” jewelry may discolor the skin, but this is more indicative of the quality of the metal, rather than of any medical conditions you may or may not have. ---
**Author:** ![HOTPINK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/f19dbf/32.png) [@HOTPINK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HOTPINK)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2004, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-gold-to-test-for-anemia/228709/3 "2004-02-11T20:27:22Z")
but i tried it on my face with my gold ring -which is my moms old wedding ring (that has never turned anyones finger green) and it left like a greenish tint on my skin. someone told me that meant i was anemic but i didnt belive them. i was just wondering if that was true??? i have no idea- - but i know that there was a green tint on my face and my ring is real gold!! [/COLOR] ---
**Author:** ![HOTPINK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/f19dbf/32.png) [@HOTPINK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HOTPINK)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2004, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-gold-to-test-for-anemia/228709/4 "2004-02-11T20:27:41Z")
but i tried it on my face with my gold ring -which is my moms old wedding ring (that has never turned anyones finger green) and it left like a greenish tint on my skin. someone told me that meant i was anemic but i didnt belive them. i was just wondering if that was true??? i have no idea- - but i know that there was a green tint on my face and my ring is real gold!! 🙂😕 ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2004, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-gold-to-test-for-anemia/228709/5 "2004-02-11T20:41:34Z")
Apparently, some people’s perspiration contains more sulphur than other’s, which can react with certain metals, including gold, to produce a skin discoloration. However, this does not appear to have any correlation with anemia, nor any other medical condition. Anemia can only be accurately diagnosed by your physician. ---
**Author:** ![HOTPINK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/f19dbf/32.png) [@HOTPINK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HOTPINK)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2004, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-gold-to-test-for-anemia/228709/6 "2004-02-11T20:53:31Z")
ok thanks 🙂 hopefully im not anemic. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2004, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-gold-to-test-for-anemia/228709/7 "2004-02-12T02:46:53Z")
[This page](http://www.dental.am/eng/anemia/1.html) lists the primary symptoms of anemia. Bear in mind that many of these are common, and not necessarily indicative of anemia. Even if you _are_ anemic, the condition is highly treatable and fairly easily managed, most often with iron supplements. Again, your doctor will be the best person to consult if you suspect you might be.