Isla Bennett
Black nails can be indicative of a number of health issues. The discolouration can be a sign of bacterial infection, chronic kidney disease, adrenal problems, B12 deficiency, liver disease, silver deposits, certain forms of cancer or melanoma, or even an injury or trauma. Melanonychia is the term for dark pigmentation of the nails, which can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, but can also indicate health issues. Melanoma on the nail is characterised by the appearance of a dark brown or black spot, which tends to increase in size over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health issues | Anemia, bacterial infection, chronic kidney disease, adrenal problems, B12 deficiency, liver disease, silver deposits, certain forms of cancer or melanoma, injury or trauma, poor circulation, respiratory issues |
| Natural occurrence | People with dark skin |
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What You'll Learn
Black nails can be a sign of bacterial infection
Anyone can get a bacterial nail infection, but it is more common among people who are exposed to irritants such as detergents and other chemicals. People whose hands are wet for long periods of time are also at higher risk of developing chronic paronychia. Occupations that involve a lot of handwashing, such as bartenders and dishwashers, seem to be predisposed to developing chronic paronychia.
Paronychia can also be caused by biting, chewing, or picking at the nails, or by pulling hangnails or sucking on fingers. An ingrown toenail can also cause paronychia. Moisture allows certain bacteria, such as candida, to grow.
If you suspect you have a bacterial nail infection, it is important to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. They may treat the infection with antibiotics or drain pus (thick, infectious fluid that builds up around a wound). They may also culture the fluid to determine the specific bacteria causing the infection.
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They can also indicate a B12 deficiency
A black tint on nails can indicate a B12 deficiency. This is because the nail plate is usually semi-transparent due to a lack of melanin, the substance responsible for skin pigmentation. However, under some circumstances, melanin can cause nail discolouration, leading to melanonychia, or the dark pigmentation of the nails. This discolouration can occur in one or more digits and can present as a single dark band or streak or involve the entire nail.
A B12 deficiency can be caused by a number of factors, including a poor diet, atrophic gastritis, pernicious anaemia, and certain medications. It can also be caused by conditions that affect the small intestine, such as Crohn's disease or coeliac disease.
If you notice a black tint on your nails, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis. While changes in nail colour can sometimes indicate underlying health issues, they are only a small symptom and may not be indicative of a serious condition.
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Dark nails can be a symptom of melanoma
Melanoma on the nail is characterised by the appearance of a dark brown or black spot, which is most common on the index finger, thumb or big toe. The darkening tends to increase in size over time, and can potentially turn the nail black. If melanoma is suspected, it is important to consult a dermatologist, who may order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for nail melanoma usually involves surgical removal of the malignant tissues.
A black tint on the nails can also suggest signs of anaemia, bacterial infection, chronic kidney disease, adrenal problems, B12 deficiency, liver disease, silver deposits, or certain forms of cancer. A greenish-black discolouration can be a sign of a bacterial infection.
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Melanonychia is the term for dark pigmentation of the nails
There are many possible causes of melanonychia, and an accurate diagnosis is vital. It can be indicative of kidney disease, melanoma (skin cancer), or bacterial infection. It may also be a sign of anemia, chronic kidney disease, adrenal problems, B12 deficiency, liver disease, silver deposits, or certain forms of cancer.
Changes in nail colour can be indicative of underlying health issues, and while they may only be a small symptom, they must not be ignored. If you observe any changes in your nail colour, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis.
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Black nails can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin
In some cases, dark skin around the nails can be a symptom of an underlying health condition. For example, black cuticles can be a sign of heart problems, kidney disease or skin cancer. Fungal infections like eczema and psoriasis can also cause the skin around the nails to darken. If you are experiencing other symptoms alongside dark skin around the nails, it is important to seek medical advice.
In addition to health conditions, dark skin around the nails can be caused by unhygienic habits such as nail-biting and thumb-sucking. These habits can lead to cuts and bruises, which can darken the skin over time. They can also allow bacteria to enter the body, potentially causing health issues.
While black nail polish is often worn as a fashion statement, particularly by those who identify with goth, emo or gender-neutral culture, it is important to be mindful of the potential health implications of nail polish. For example, certain ingredients in cosmetic products can cause allergic reactions, which may contribute to dark skin around the nails.
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Frequently asked questions
A black colour on nails can be a sign of a bacterial infection, chronic kidney disease, adrenal problems, B12 deficiency, liver disease, silver deposits, certain forms of cancer or melanoma, or an injury or trauma.
Melanonychia is the term for dark pigmentation of the nails. It can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, but it can also indicate health issues.
A vertical black streak extending from the cuticle to the tip of the nail can be an indicator of kidney disease or melanoma (skin cancer).
A healthy nail colour is typically pink with a white half-moon shape at the base called the lunula.
If you notice a black colour on your nails, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible to get a diagnosis. Changes in nail colour can sometimes indicate underlying health issues.
