Why does well water turn your cuticles and nails black?

Answer 1

Perhaps it isn't very clean so there are germs in it which have got under your nails?

More probably, it is from minerals in the water, or a chemical reaction that causes this. I have had this happen as I am recently working in an area where there is well water in the sinks and I notice my nails and cuticles have a blackish coloring to them. Underside of the nails (mine are rather long so it is quite noticeable.)

However, I also notice I can scratch it off by running another finger nail underneath, or scrub it off with soap and a nail brush. When I get home where I have Chicago water, it seems to come off. So I would say it is temporary and harmless. The people who live around there have used the well water for years. Tho I haven't asked them specifically about this blackness, I imagine they must experience it too.

Answer 2

Certain metals in the water supply can affect nail color.

Same thing with heavy metal poisonings.

If this is happening, one should get their water analyzed and see a doctor, because several medical problems can affect the nails.

I have this where I work in a town that has well water. It, for me, is only temporary. I can scratch it off underneath my nail. But I found that if I put some lemon juice on my nails and under them, it takes the blackish or grayish color away in about 60 seconds. Therefore, I am assuming it is a bit of a stain ON the nail and cuticle, and is not IN the nail and skin.

The people there have been using this well water for many, many years and there is not, as far as I know, any particular high level of risk or disease in that town. Many people there tend to drink bottled water from a cooler, as the well water has a sulphurous odor. I have not drunk it; I only use it to wash my hands several times during the day.

That may not be true in other places. Sometimes water is contaminated by chemicals from various sources, and that should certainly be checked out. But in other cases, my experience might be valid as well.

One should check with the town or city hall. Most places will have an assessment of their water available for people to read and study. Tho I know things can be covered up, it would show if there were a large amount of people getting cancer or other sicknesses in the area, and the water would be suspect. Check around.

Answer 3

Well water can contain high levels of minerals like iron, which can oxidize when exposed to air and leave a black residue on your cuticles and nails. This staining is mostly cosmetic and can usually be removed with regular hand washing and nail cleaning. Using products like a nail brush or lemon juice can also help remove the stains.

Answer 4

I went on a snorkel trip in two large Florida springs. They are the size of rivers and are crystal clear. Rainbow Springs and Weeki Wachi. After spending two days diving/snorkeling/exploring each, I woke up the next morning with the tips of my natural nails having turned dark grey. OVERNIGHT! I noticed it was on the underside of the exposed nail tip. I was majorly freaked out. Im from Tennessee and have never had my nails do this and we have had wells for water. I can only assume some combination of the following: a mineral deficiency, high levels of elements or the spring systems have high levels of minerals that interacted with my physiology.