Ava Monroe
Black lines under the nails can be a cause for concern, as they can indicate nail melanoma, a type of skin cancer that affects melanocytes. This is known as Hutchinson's sign and can appear on either the fingernails or toenails. However, it's important to note that black lines can also be caused by splinter haemorrhages, which occur when blood vessels under the nail are damaged due to injuries. Additionally, certain medications and medical treatments, such as X-rays and phototherapy, can also lead to the development of black lines on the nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Hutchinson's sign, Melanonychia, Beau's lines (if horizontal) |
| Appearance | Horizontal or vertical |
| Cause | Splinter haemorrhage, nail melanoma, medication and medical treatments |
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What You'll Learn
Melanoma
A black line under the nail, known as Hutchinson's sign, can be an indicator of melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that affects melanocytes. It can appear as a narrow, vertical black line on the nail, known as a splinter haemorrhage, which occurs when blood vessels under the nail are damaged, often due to injury. It can also appear as a horizontal stripe, known as Beau's lines.
Research from 2017 found that a biopsy is the best way to get an early diagnosis of melanoma. If caught early, treatment for melanoma may involve the removal of the tumour and possibly amputation of the affected finger or toe.
It is important to note that black lines under the nails can also be caused by certain medications and medical treatments, such as X-rays on the hands and feet, phototherapy, or light therapy. These lines typically appear 3-8 weeks after starting treatment and usually fade within eight weeks of stopping or switching medications.
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Splinter haemorrhages
Black lines under your nails can be a sign of splinter haemorrhages, which are small black or deep-red lines that appear when blood vessels under the nail bed are damaged. This can be caused by injuries, such as hitting your finger. Splinter haemorrhages are characterised by narrow, vertical black lines that run the length of the nail. They are different from Beau's lines, which create a horizontal stripe across the width of the nail.
While splinter haemorrhages can be a benign condition, it is important to note that black lines under the nails can also be an indicator of nail melanoma, a type of skin cancer that affects melanocytes. This condition is known as Hutchinson's sign and can appear on either the fingernails or toenails. As cancer of the nail can be challenging to detect in its early stages, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.
In some cases, black lines on the nails can also be caused by certain medications and medical treatments. These lines are typically horizontal and may appear 3-8 weeks after starting the treatment. They usually fade within eight weeks of stopping or switching medications. Specific tests and therapies, such as X-rays on the hands and feet or phototherapy, can also increase the risk of developing black lines on the nails.
If you notice any unusual changes to your nails, including black lines, it is important to seek medical advice. While some causes may be benign, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for more serious conditions, such as nail melanoma.
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Beau's lines
Black lines under the nails can be caused by splinter haemorrhages, which are small black or deep-red lines caused by damage to the blood vessels under the nail bed. They can also be caused by certain medications and medical treatments, or by melanoma.
Treating the underlying cause of Beau's lines will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.
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Medication and medical treatments
A narrow, vertical black line on your nail is called a splinter haemorrhage. This occurs when blood vessels under the fingernail are damaged, often due to injuries, such as hitting something. Splinter haemorrhages appear as small black or deep-red lines.
If you are concerned about black lines on your nails, you should consult a healthcare professional. They will be able to advise on the best course of action and provide a diagnosis.
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Malignant melanonychia
A black line under the nail, known as Hutchinson's sign, can be an indicator of melanoma, a type of skin cancer that affects melanocytes. Melanoma of the nail is also known as subungual melanoma or nail melanoma. It can be challenging to catch in the early stages due to its similarities to benign causes of melanonychia. Malignant melanonychia requires the removal of the tumour, which may also include amputation of the finger or toe.
Another cause of black lines on the nails is a splinter haemorrhage, which occurs when blood vessels under the nail are damaged, often due to injuries such as hitting your finger. Splinter haemorrhages appear as small black or deep red lines and can be identified by their narrow, vertical shape.
Some medications and medical treatments can also cause black lines on the nails. These lines are horizontal and run across the nail's width. The discolouration usually appears 3-8 weeks after starting treatment and typically fades within eight weeks after stopping or switching medications. Specific tests and therapies can also cause melanonychia, including X-rays on the hands and feet and phototherapy or light therapy.
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Frequently asked questions
This could be a splinter haemorrhage, which occurs when blood vessels under the fingernail are damaged, often due to injuries, such as hitting. It could also be Hutchinson's sign, which is often an indicator of melanoma.
Splinter haemorrhages appear as small black or deep-red lines. They are narrow and vertical.
Hutchinson's sign is a stripe that can occur on either the fingernails or toenails.
