Ava Monroe
A black spot under your fingernail could be a splinter haemorrhage, which is caused by damage to the small blood vessels underneath your nail. This is usually harmless and will heal on its own within a few days. However, it could also be a sign of a more serious health condition, such as subungual melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Melanonychia, splinter haemorrhage, or subungual melanoma |
| Appearance | Black or reddish-brown |
| Pain | Sometimes |
| Bleeding | Sometimes |
| Location | Fingernails or toenails |
| Direction | Vertical or horizontal |
| Change in appearance | No |
| Number | One or more |
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What You'll Learn
Melanonychia
Splinter hemorrhages are another possible cause of black spots under the fingernail. These occur when blood vessels under the fingernail are damaged, often due to injuries such as hitting your finger. They are characterised by small black or reddish-brown lines that do not change appearance when pressure is applied to the nail. Splinter hemorrhages usually heal on their own within a few days. However, if you have multiple splinter hemorrhages across several different nails, it could indicate an underlying condition.
Other, less common causes of nail melanonychia include certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, beta-blockers, anti-malarial drugs, or the medication azidothymidine.
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Splinter haemorrhages
A black spot under your fingernail could be a splinter haemorrhage. This occurs when blood vessels under the fingernail are damaged, often due to injuries, such as hitting your finger. Splinter haemorrhages look like a wood splinter under your nail and are black or reddish-brown in colour. They are caused by damage to small blood vessels underneath your nail. They do not typically run across the entire nail and usually heal on their own within a few days. If a person has multiple splinter haemorrhages across several different nails, it could indicate an underlying condition.
The presence of splinter haemorrhages can be a sign of injury or trauma to the fingernail or toenail. Bumping a toe or injuring a finger can damage blood vessels along the nail bed in the affected area and cause bleeding under the nail. This can occur in one or more places under the nail.
While often harmless, splinter haemorrhages can sometimes signal a more serious health issue. If a person has multiple splinter haemorrhages across several different nails, it could indicate an underlying condition. In some cases, splinter haemorrhages may be a symptom of subungual melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.
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Subungual melanoma
A black spot under your fingernail could be a splinter haemorrhage, which is caused by damage to the small blood vessels underneath your nail. This can be the result of an injury, such as hitting your finger. Splinter haemorrhages are usually harmless and will heal on their own within a few days. However, if you have multiple splinter haemorrhages across several different nails, it could indicate an underlying condition.
Another possible cause of a black spot under your fingernail is a rare form of skin cancer called subungual melanoma. This is a serious condition that can be identified by a stripe that darkens or widens over time. The nail may also be painful or bleed, and the pigmentation may extend to the area where the fingernail meets the cuticle, which is known as Hutchinson's sign. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
The diagnostic process for dark lines under the fingernails typically begins with a person's medical history, including any medications they are taking. Certain drugs, such as chemotherapy medications, beta-blockers, and anti-malarial drugs, can cause nail melanonychia, which is a darkening of the nail beds due to excess pigment production.
While it may be tempting to self-diagnose, it is always best to seek professional medical advice if you have any concerns about your health.
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Medication
A black spot under your fingernail could be caused by taking certain medications. These include chemotherapy drugs, beta-blockers, anti-malarial drugs, and azidothymidine. If you are taking any of these medications and notice a black spot under your fingernail, it is important to speak to your doctor. They may ask about your medical history, including any medications you are taking, and advise you on the best course of action.
It is important to note that a black spot under your fingernail can also be caused by a splinter haemorrhage, which is a result of damage to the small blood vessels underneath your nail. This can occur due to injury or trauma to the nail. If you have recently injured your nail, it is possible that the black spot is a splinter haemorrhage and not related to your medication.
However, if you have not injured your nail and are taking one of the medications mentioned above, it is possible that the black spot is a side effect of the medication. In this case, your doctor may recommend adjusting the dosage or switching to a different medication. They may also advise you on ways to manage any side effects you are experiencing.
While a black spot under your fingernail can be a harmless side effect of medication, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. They can assess your individual situation and provide personalised advice and treatment recommendations.
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Injury
A black spot under your fingernail could be a splinter haemorrhage, which occurs when blood vessels under the fingernail are damaged, often due to injuries such as hitting your finger. Splinter haemorrhages are usually harmless and will heal on their own within a few days. They are characterised by a black or reddish-brown colour, and they don't change appearance when you apply pressure to the nail. They can appear in one or more places under your nail, but they don't usually run across the entire nail.
If you have multiple splinter haemorrhages across several different nails, it could indicate an underlying condition. In rare cases, a black spot under your fingernail could be a sign of subungual melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer. If you are concerned about a black spot under your fingernail, it is best to consult a doctor. They will ask about your medical history and any medications you are taking.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be a splinter haemorrhage, which is caused by damage to the small blood vessels underneath your nail. It could also be a sign of a more serious health condition, such as subungual melanoma.
It is a small black or reddish-brown line that doesn't change appearance when you apply pressure to the nail. It can appear in one or more places under your nail.
It typically appears as a black stripe that darkens or widens over time. The nail may also be painful or bleed. The pigmentation may extend to the area where the fingernail meets the cuticle, which is known as Hutchinson's sign.
You should consult a doctor, who will ask about your medical history and any medications you are taking.
It occurs when pigments in the nail, known as melanocytes, make excess pigment, causing the nail beds to darken. It can also be caused by certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, beta-blockers, anti-malarial drugs, or azidothymidine.
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