What is Melonychia? Are Black Lines on Nails Dangerous?

NAIL health can provide important clues about our general health. Black, brown or dark lines that appear on the NAIL can sometimes be a simple condition, while sometimes they can be a sign of serious diseases. So why do these lines form and in what cases should you see a doctor?

CAUSES OF BLACK STRIPES ON NAILS

Traumatic Color Changes
Blows or unintentional pressure on the NAIL can cause bleeding in the NAIL bed. This usually manifests itself as a dark line or stain. Applying too much pressure during a manicure can also cause this condition.

Ethnic Factors and Genetic Structure
In some people, especially dark-skinned individuals, the natural pigment production in the NAIL bed can be excessive. This condition is usually harmless and does not cause any health problems.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin B12 and iron deficiency, can cause changes in NAIL color. In addition, NAIL fragility and deformities can also be seen.

Side Effects of Some Medications
Some medications, especially chemotherapy drugs, can cause pigment changes in the NAIL bed. This condition usually improves when the medication is stopped, but should definitely be evaluated under the supervision of a doctor.

Skin Diseases
Some skin diseases such as psoriasis and lichen planus can cause dark lines on the NAIL. Such diseases usually progress with deterioration, thickening and cracking on the NAIL surface.

Hormonal Changes and Systemic Diseases
Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, thyroid diseases or adrenal gland diseases can affect the NAIL structure and cause color changes.

Melanoma (Skin Cancer) Risk
A rare but serious disease, subnail melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It usually starts as a dark line and can spread over time and spread around the NAIL. The symptoms to watch out for are:

The line gradually darkens and thickens
It spreads towards the edges of the NAIL
Color change in the skin around the NAIL
Irregular borders of the line
Cracking, breaking or pain on the NAIL
If one or more of these symptoms are present, a dermatologist should be consulted without delay.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT A DOCTOR?

Although black lines on the NAIL do not always indicate a serious disease, in some cases it is necessary to consult a doctor. A dermatologist should be consulted if the following situations occur:

If the line widens over time
If new lines form on the NAIL
If the line extends beyond the NAIL bed
If there is pain, swelling or bleeding around the NAIL
If there is significant deterioration in the NAIL structure


CONCLUSION

Although black lines on the NAIL are often caused by harmless reasons, they can sometimes be a sign of a serious health problem. It is important to consult a specialist without wasting time, especially for lines that have been going on for a long time or have changed significantly. In order to maintain NAIL health, it is necessary to regularly check the NAIL structure, eat healthy and notice possible changes early.

I am Dermatologist Doctor Fatma Yıldız

We are waiting for you at our clinic, I wish you healthy days.