Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Soft Green Stool?
Question: I am having 2 issues that are of concern for me. First, my stool is always dark green and somewhat loose, not liquid, but soft. Secondly, My pure gold jewelry (rings only) are leaving black on my skin around the ring, almost like fake jewelry would do, only my jewelry is all 100% verified to be real gold with no additive metals. Can you tell me why I am having this and also what I can do to eliminate these issues.
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
investigation is required for the stool
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
soft green stool usually indicates fast passage of the stool through the intestines. It's not necessarily 'abnormal' but some investigation would be required particularly if you've never had problems like this in the past (that is if you used to have firm brown stool).
The first thing to check is whether you've introduced any changes to your dietary habits, like supplements, too much fiber, etc.
Other important things from your history include the following information and tests:
- whether you have to wake up to go to the toilet (if it awakens you that is)
- if you have pain when going to the toilet
- if you have other symptoms (like weight loss or anything)
- check the stools for ova and parasites
- do a stool culture for common pathogens
If none of the above provide any clue and your doctor considers this to be a medical problem then colonoscopy might be considered.
Regarding your issue with the rings, I don't have any medical causes to suggest. Sometimes nickel and silver may cause local irritation to the skin. Some of the chemicals to make silver shine again may also cause problems. Allergy to gold cannot be excluded but it's not that common. In any case an allergic reaction may present with desquamation, itching, redness or even pain. Black staff is strange... Could it be dirt? The area under the ring may be moist and attract dirt... I can't say for sure.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
investigation is required for the stool
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
soft green stool usually indicates fast passage of the stool through the intestines. It's not necessarily 'abnormal' but some investigation would be required particularly if you've never had problems like this in the past (that is if you used to have firm brown stool).
The first thing to check is whether you've introduced any changes to your dietary habits, like supplements, too much fiber, etc.
Other important things from your history include the following information and tests:
- whether you have to wake up to go to the toilet (if it awakens you that is)
- if you have pain when going to the toilet
- if you have other symptoms (like weight loss or anything)
- check the stools for ova and parasites
- do a stool culture for common pathogens
If none of the above provide any clue and your doctor considers this to be a medical problem then colonoscopy might be considered.
Regarding your issue with the rings, I don't have any medical causes to suggest. Sometimes nickel and silver may cause local irritation to the skin. Some of the chemicals to make silver shine again may also cause problems. Allergy to gold cannot be excluded but it's not that common. In any case an allergic reaction may present with desquamation, itching, redness or even pain. Black staff is strange... Could it be dirt? The area under the ring may be moist and attract dirt... I can't say for sure.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
