As your nail grows, a stripe of brown or black appears. Melanin deposits are caused by two primary processes, which have different causes. Causes of melanocytic activation can include:
As the nail grows, this can cause a dark line to extend the length of the nail. These growths can have benign or cancerous causes. Melanocytic activation: This is an increase of melanin deposits ...
Melanocytic lesions usually present as one nail affected by a pigmented band that has within it individual pigmented bands. Depending on a variety of other factors, melanocytic lesions can usually be anticipated to be benign (<3mm broad or <40% the breadth of the nail, no extension of pigment onto the skin surrounding the nail, etc.) or malignant.
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.
Understanding the possible causes and symptoms is essential for identifying when medical attention may be necessary and how to maintain nail health. Causes of Black Spots on Nails. Here are some black nail causes include: 1. Injury or Trauma. A common cause of black spots on nails is trauma, such as a hit, pressure, or crushing injury.
Symptoms of Red or Black Spots on Nails. Tiny red or black dots under the nail (often resembling splinters) Streaks or lines that run vertically under the nail; Discoloration spreading to the surrounding nail bed; Pain or tenderness around the affected nail (if due to trauma or infection) Swelling or inflammation of the nail or surrounding skin
Melanonychia is the term for dark pigmentation of the nails. The discoloration in the nails may be black or brown. Melanonychia can be a natural occurrence in people with dark skin, but it can ...
Black lines can develop on the nails when these melanocytes become active and produce pigment. This most commonly occurs in people with dark skin tones, affecting 77-100% of Black people, between ...
A black line in the nail may be simply a color variation, but it can also result from an injury. Other possible causes include the use of certain drugs and various health conditions, including HIV ...
Whether you’ve noticed a small black speck or a larger brown discoloration, these changes can prompt questions and concerns about their origins and what they mean for your health. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the common causes of a dark spot on toenail, including toenail fungus, trauma, and more serious conditions like nail melanoma.
Identifying the characteristics of black spots is crucial for appropriate management. Look for signs like: • Size and Shape: A small, round black spot may indicate a bruise, while an elongated streak could be more serious. • Accompanying Symptoms: Swelling, pain, or changes in nail texture can signal a need for medical assessment.
Red or black spots may be splinter hemorrhages associated with endocarditis.The spots may be subungual hematomas from trauma or a fingernail injury. It can also be a skin cancer like melanoma or squamous cell cancer.If you aren't feeling well, or if it doesn't go away, call your doctor.
The nail plate is a hard, translucent structure made of keratin. It is not normally pigmented. Melanocytes typically lie dormant in the proximal nail matrix where the nail originates. Melanin is deposited into the growing nail when melanocytes are activated, resulting in a pigmented band — this is longitudinal melanonychia.
Trauma to the nail: Sudden or chronic pressure that causes damage to the nail bed. Black line on the nail: Visible marking under the nail, usually the result of leaked blood from damaged capillaries. Splinter hemorrhage: Small, linear blood spots visible under the nail plate. Most of the time, nail problems from trauma get better on their own.
The main symptom of red or black spots on nails is the discoloration itself. Other symptoms may include: Changes in nail shape or texture: In some cases, the presence of red or black spots may be accompanied by changes in the shape or texture of the affected nail, such as thickening or brittleness. Pain or discomfort: If the spots are due to trauma or an infection, individuals may experience ...