Ava Monroe
Dark lines under your nails can be caused by a number of factors, from normal colour variation to injury, medication side effects, or health conditions. The condition is called melanonychia and it can be caused by vitamin B12, vitamin D, and protein deficiencies, as well as cancer, too much iron, and other health conditions. It can also be caused by trauma to the nail, such as hitting the nail, prolonged pressure, or nail biting, which can cause a splinter haemorrhage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Melanonychia |
| Appearance | Dark vertical lines on the nail |
| Causes | Nail trauma, vitamin B12, vitamin D, or protein deficiency, cancer, too much iron, autoimmune skin conditions, medication side effects, or normal colour variation |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Melanonychia
Dark lines under nails are called melanonychia. The lines are brown or black and usually look like a stripe that begins at the bottom of the nail bed and continues to the top. Melanonychia may appear in one nail or several. These lines can occur naturally if you have a dark complexion. Melanonychia can develop due to many causes, including nail cancer, trauma, and other health conditions. Deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, and protein can cause dark lines in nails. Other causes can include cancer, too much iron, and other health conditions. A dark vertical line on the nail can indicate nail melanoma. Melanonychia is characterised by black or brown discolouration of the nail plate. It is relatively common, accounting for about half of all nail discolouration cases. It can affect one or multiple nails on the fingers and toes. Longitudinal melanonychia presents as a black or brown line running vertically along the nail bed in the direction of nail growth. Total melanonychia involves black or brown discolouration across the entire nail bed and may occur in individuals with dark skin pigmentation. Melanonychia can be caused by splinter haemorrhages, which occur when the nail experiences trauma, causing tiny blood vessels beneath it to break and bleed. Common causes include hitting the nail, prolonged pressure, or habits like nail biting.
Manicures: Do They Always Mean Fake Nails?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Subungual melanoma
Dark lines under the nails can be caused by a number of factors, including subungual melanoma. Subungual melanoma is a type of skin cancer that appears as dark lines under the nails. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this condition, as early detection can improve outcomes.
The most common sign of subungual melanoma is a dark vertical line on the nail, which can be brown or black in colour. This line usually starts at the bottom of the nail bed and continues to the top. It may be mistaken for a bruise or smudge under the nail, but it is important to note that melanoma grows more slowly than a hematoma, which appears quickly after an injury. Other signs and symptoms of subungual melanoma may include changes in the shape or colour of the nail, thickening of the nail, or bleeding around the nail.
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may perform a biopsy or other tests to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for subungual melanoma may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, depending on the stage and location of the cancer.
While subungual melanoma is a serious condition, it is important to remember that dark lines under the nails can also be caused by other, less serious factors. These can include trauma to the nail, such as hitting the nail or prolonged pressure, or habits like nail biting, which can cause splinter haemorrhages, leading to thin, dark lines along the nail. Additionally, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and protein deficiencies can cause dark lines, as can certain medications and health conditions.
Trimming Nails: Tips for Dealing with a Mean Dog
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Hematoma
Dark lines under the nails can be caused by a subungual hematoma, which is when blood gets trapped under the nail. This is usually the result of an injury or poorly fitting shoes. Hematomas look like a dark bruise or smudge under the nail and appear quickly, within hours of an injury. They can also be caused by nail biting, prolonged pressure, or habits like nail biting.
If you notice a dark line under your nail, it is important to seek medical advice as it could be a sign of nail cancer or melanoma. Melanoma appears as a dark vertical line on the nail and grows slowly over time.
To prevent hematomas, it is important to avoid injuring the nail and to wear properly fitting shoes. If you notice any unusual changes to your nails, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.
Black Nails: What Do They Mean for Women's Health?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Trauma
Dark lines under the nails can be caused by trauma to the nail, causing tiny blood vessels beneath it to break and bleed. This is known as a splinter haemorrhage and results in a thin, dark line that runs vertically along the nail. Common causes include hitting the nail, prolonged pressure, or habits like nail biting.
Splinter haemorrhages are a type of subungual haematoma, which is when blood gets trapped under the nail. Haematomas typically appear quickly or within hours of injury and may grow out or become visible when you cut your nails. They can sometimes resemble nail cancer, so it is important to contact a healthcare provider if you are unsure or notice anything unusual under your nail.
In addition to trauma, splinter haemorrhages can also be caused by psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition. Nail psoriasis can cause nails to split, lift away from the nail bed, and lead to itching and thickening. As many as 80% of people with psoriasis have it on their nails.
It is important to note that dark lines under the nails can also be a sign of nail melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Melanonychia, which is characterised by black or brown discoloration of the nail plate, can also cause dark lines. This can occur naturally in individuals with a dark complexion or as a result of vitamin deficiencies, too much iron, or other health conditions. If you notice any unusual changes to your nails, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.
The Mystery of Nail Ridges: What Your Nails Are Telling You
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Psoriasis
Dark lines under the nails can be caused by melanonychia, which is characterised by black or brown discolouration of the nail plate. This can be caused by nail cancer, trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or other health conditions.
Black Nail: A Warning Sign or Just a Superstition?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Dark lines under the nails can be a sign of subungual melanoma (nail melanoma), or a benign condition called melanonychia. It could also be a splinter haemorrhage, which is a small black line that forms vertically underneath the nail. If you notice dark lines under your nails, you should speak to a healthcare professional.
Subungual melanoma is a type of skin cancer that appears as dark lines under the nails. It can be challenging to catch in the early stages as it resembles a benign condition called melanonychia.
Melanonychia is a benign condition that causes dark lines to appear on the nails. It often does not require treatment, but it usually does not go away by itself.
A splinter haemorrhage is a small black line that forms vertically underneath the nail. It can be caused by taking blood thinners such as warfarin or aspirin.
If you notice dark lines under your nails, you should speak to a healthcare professional. They will ask about your medical history and any medications you are taking. They may also take a biopsy or sample of the nail area to test for cancerous cells.
![Nail Dryer Portable Fan Air Blow for Regular Nail Polish[]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51JImzALAOS._AC_UL320_.jpg)
