Most black lines on the fingernails and toenails are not cause for concern. These lines are fairly common among people with darker skin tones. However, they can be a sign of subungual melanoma.
Black Line on the Nail: Should You Worry? Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Natalie Silver — Updated on February 5, 2024 Pictures
Melanonychia is a brown or black color in your nail. It can affect your fingernails or toenails. It can be in one nail, a few nails, or all of your nails. Melanonychia can have many different ...
Having a dark line on your fingernails or toenails is called melanonychia. The lines are brown or black and usually look like a stripe that begins at the bottom of your nail bed and continues to ...
A black line in your nail can be a sign of melanoma, or it can be a normal part of your nail bed. A woman's story can help you identify the difference. IE 11 is not supported.
Melanonychia can affect one or multiple fingernails or toenails. It can present as a brown or black discoloration that may start at the nail matrix or appear as a band across the nail. Total melanonychia affects the whole nail. There are several possible causes of melanonychia. It occurs due to an increase in melanin production or pigmentation.
Two photos of toenail melanoma (left) and toenail fungus (right). DermNet (left), GettyImages/sakai000 (right) ... to dark brown or black as the blood is resorbed and a new nail grows out. But if ...
Just as pigmented lesions on the skin can vary widely from freckles to lentigines to nevi to melanoma, similar pigmented lesions can be seen in nails. Melanonychia, brown or black pigmentation in the nail plate, can frequently present a diagnostic challenge for the dermatologist. While most causes of melanonychia are benign, it is important to…
Black toenails can be caused by an injury, infections, diabetes, cancer, and more. Learn how get rid of a black toenail and when to see a healthcare provider. ... Some nail discoloration appears as striations, or lines, in the nail that are usually vertical, sometimes called splinter hemorrhage. They are due to bleeding from small capillaries ...
Here are some reasons for a black toenail, how to treat it, and the ways you can prevent it. Why you might have a black toenail. The most common cause for a black toenail is when the nail gets injured, trapping blood under the nail, explains Farah Moustafa, MD, FAAD, dermatologist and Director of Laser and Cosmetics at Tufts Medical Center ...
Melanonychia is brown, gray, or black discoloration of the nail plate that can be caused by many conditions, ranging from benign to malignant. 1 Careful evaluation is needed to rule out melanoma and other malignant causes of nail discoloration. Treatment varies based on the underlying cause. 1 This article describes the etiology, symptoms, and treatment of melanonychia and how to distinguish ...
2. Toenail Fungus: The Silent Invader. Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common and persistent cause of nail discoloration. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making feet the perfect target—especially for those who frequently wear closed-toe shoes or keep nail polish on for long periods.
• Beau’s lines, which are horizontal lines across the nail. • Changes in nail color, such as white spots. If you suspect heavy metal exposure, consult a healthcare provider for proper testing and treatment. Recognizing Subungual Melanoma Subungual melanoma is a serious concern that presents as brown or black streaks beneath the nail.
A female patient aged 60+ came into our podiatry clinic with a black longitudinal toenail line. This vertical dark streak running through her left big toenail was a cause of concern. A streak like this can be a sign of malignancy; a subungual melanoma. They are not to be ignored. Podiatrists are knowledgeable in nail pathologies. The treating ...
Knowing the cause of a black streak on toenails is key for treatment and prevention. By figuring out if it’s from trauma, infection, pigment changes, or an underlying condition, we can handle it better.. Medical Conditions Related to Dark Lines on Toenails. Dark lines on the nail might seem like a small thing at first. But they can hint at bigger health issues.
A single black line in the nail bed differs significantly from multiple black lines in toenails, both in potential causes and required treatment approaches. 1. Melanonychia: The Role of Melanin in Nail Discoloration. Melanonychia appears as brown or black stripes running vertically from the base to the tip of the nail.
Dark Lines on Toenails. July 10, 2023 February 28, 2020 by Dr. Hoy. Dark lines on the toenails are often seen in the office and asked about by patients. Although most cases of dark nails are benign melanin in the nail root, a small percentage may represent melanoma, a potentially fatal cancer. Pigmentary changes in nail appearance may occur ...
5 Common Causes of Black Lines on Fingernails and Toenails. Black lines on nails can indicate health issues like trauma, medication effects, or systemic conditions. Learn about potential causes and when to seek help.