Why do black lines appear on nails?
The expert said that this could be the case.
Have you ever removed your nail polish only to notice a dark line on your nail that runs vertically down your finger? These black lines on your nails can look like bruises or internal discoloration, not like you accidentally created a trendy nail art trend. Why do black lines appear on your nails?
To understand what these thin black lines on nails are and how to treat them, MigNews turned to professionals.
- IMPORTANT: Since your nails are a reflection of your overall health, if you see any abnormal markings or they are very brittle and constantly breaking, it is important to first have anything unusual checked out by a doctor. This is to determine whether it is simply a hemorrhage, melanonychia, or something more serious, such as melanoma.
Why do black lines appear on nails: common causes of black lines on nails
- Fragment hemorrhages (nail trauma);
- Fungal infection;
- Melanonychia;
- Melanoma;
Black lines on nails from longitudinal melanonychia
Not all nail spots are cause for concern. “A black line that runs lengthwise from the cuticle to the free edge of the nail is often pigment,” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. “This can be normal. Just like moles on the body, they can form at the base of the nail. When this happens, the extra pigment that is produced at the base of the nail moves with the nail as it grows. This is known as longitudinal melanonychia. Especially in people with more melanized skin, these streaks are often found on multiple nails.”
This is quite common and usually not a sign of anything serious. But, “if it’s on one nail and the streak is new, it should be checked out,” says Dr. Zeichner. “The main sign to look for is whether the pigment is affecting the skin of the cuticle. If it is, that’s a cause for concern.”
Why do black lines appear on nails: splinter hemorrhages
“The most common cause of dark streaks on nails is trauma,” says Dr. Zeichner. “They’re small, black streaks that run lengthwise across the nail. They’re called splinter hemorrhages. They form when blood leaks into the space between the nail and the nail bed and gets trapped in the skin. They’re called splinter hemorrhages because they resemble a splinter, which is a long, thin shape.”
They can be black or reddish-brown. They don’t change color when you press on the nail and appear in one or more spots under the nail. “The good news is that they’re completely harmless,” says Dr. Zeichner. “No treatment is needed because they grow back with the nail.” They usually appear quickly, seemingly out of nowhere.” Note: Thicker lines that form a horizontal stripe across the nail are called Beau lines, which are often symptoms of a more serious condition.
As Dr. Zeichner points out, splinter hemorrhages are often caused by trauma. “Another common cause is poor nutrition or a fungal infection,” says manicurist Hannah Lee.
Serious medical conditions that can cause a splinter hemorrhage include bacterial endocarditis, vasculitis, systemic diseases, diabetes, Raynaud's disease, and cholesterol. Lee stresses the importance of seeing a specialist if you think these conditions may be the underlying cause. “It's always a good idea to see a doctor to find out what's causing these lines,” Lee says. “Then, it's best to discuss a plan of action with your doctor.”
How to treat black lines on nails
If you are scared of the look of your nail, you can paint it with varnish, Source: vecteezy.com
There’s no real cure for splinter hemorrhages, other than time. “Usually you just wait for the black lines to grow back unless they’re caused by something more serious, like melanoma,” says Lee. Again, you need to see a doctor to be sure.
If your black lines are noticeable and you'd rather not look at them every day, painting your nails can help hide them until they disappear. You can use colored nail polish that's easy to remove at home if you need to check on the health of your nails. “It's perfectly fine to paint them if it's caused by something like an injury,” says Lee. “But if it turns out to be something like a fungal infection or melanoma, it's best to get treatment right away before you reapply polish.”
In most cases, thin vertical black lines under your nails are nothing to worry about. But if you've had them for a long time or you just want to make sure they're not a sign of something more serious, it's best to see a doctor.
Many people talk about the magical properties of banana peels for the skin. But how much of this is true? We suggest you find out