fingers are changing colors from chem lab?

Question

today in school i had a chem lab and when i got home the tips of two of my fingers were turning white. I washed them repetitavely but the color remained. then about one hour later they were purple, then black. the materials we used were: 0.2M CoCl2 solution, Concentrated HCl, 0.1M AgNO3, and acetone. why are my fingers changing colors? is this bad? will it go away? what can i do to make it come out?

Answer 1

I think the some of the chemicals have slightly "burned" your fingers. Just leave it be and the skin will eventually shed. And for the love of Pete, WEAR GLOVES in lab. ALWAYS!!!!

Answer 2

Well first question is can anyone else see your fingers change colors, and if they can go to the hospital quick, even if they can't you should probably go.

I don't remember most of those chemicals you were working with but i recognize Hydrochloric acid and Carbon DiChloride and I know you don't want that in your system.

If you have a headache or your hand's burning or something I would see a doctor, if it's just the color change I would still see a doctor, though there might not be such a rush for that.

Answer 3

The black is from silver nitrate, but I'm guessing that you got acetone on your hands too. Your teacher will grade you down for bad lab technique. You've already washed your hands, so all you can do now is to wait for the skin to "wear away" as it normally does (layers grow beneath the outer layer). It'll be gone in a few weeks.

Answer 4

I am tempted to say it is perfectly normal, but...

I feel like you are either making this up or you seem to not realize that normal fingertips are not white, purple, or black.

If this is not a joke, I'd suggest calling your nearest poison control center (1-800-222-1222) or go to the emergency room.
Copper (II) chloride is corrosive (first link). Hydrochloric acid is, too (second link). Silver nitrate is also pretty bad (third link).

So yea.

Answer 5

i'm guessing it is the CoCl2 solution, only because Hcl wouldn't change the colour of your fingers ad acetone is mainly bad if u inhale it, silver nitrate i'm not that certain on, but i know that cobalt does strange things when it connects ith skin, but don't worry it should come off, your lab teachers wouldn't be using stuff that would kill you, but if it lasts llonger tha 8 days talk to the lab teacher jus to check.

Answer 6

It will go away. The dark finger tips are probably due to the silver. If you get silver salts on you they turn dark on exposure to light. Whenever you are handling chemicals you should wear gloves.

Answer 7

You should never touch chemicals. Practice pouring chemicals without spilling and without getting into your hands.

Wash your hands right away if anything fall on your hand.