Melanonychia, or melanin-derived brown-to-black nail pigmentation, is a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. The most serious disease of the nail unit, melanoma, primarily presents with melanonychia.
What does a dark line on nail mean?
A narrow black line that has formed vertically underneath your nail is called a splinter hemorrhage. It occurs for a variety of reasons and may be harmless or a sign of a more serious health condition. This condition is called a splinter hemorrhage because it may look like a wood splinter under your nail.
Should I worry about melanonychia?
Melanonychia is a very worrisome entity for most patients. It is characterized by brownish black discoloration of nail plate and is a common cause of nail plate pigmentation. The aetiology of melanonychia ranges from more common benign causes to less common invasive and in situ melanomas.
What do lines in my nails mean?
Ridges in the fingernails are often normal signs of aging. Slight vertical ridges commonly develop in older adults. In some cases, they may be a sign of health problems like vitamin deficiencies or diabetes. Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau’s lines, may indicate a serious condition.
Should I worry about splinter hemorrhages?
Splinter hemorrhages caused by injury aren’t a reason for concern. The nail will clear up as the injury heals. But sometimes a splinter hemorrhage indicates an underlying disease or disorder. If you didn’t injure your toe or finger, the hemorrhage may result from conditions that can damage blood vessels.
Are iron nails common?
Re: Iron Nails mmaglio22 – All common nails today are made of steel which is iron with a small amount of carbon included to increase hardness. The amount of carbon is just a fraction of a percent, so for all intent and purpose, the common variety nail is, in fact, iron.
What are steel nails?
nail, in construction and carpentry, a slender metal shaft that is pointed at one end and flattened at the other end and is used for fastening one or more objects to each other. Nails are usually made of steel but can also be made of stainless steel, iron, copper, aluminum, or bronze.
What does the brown line in the nail mean?
Another cause of black lines on the nails is a splinter hemorrhage, which occurs when blood vessels under the fingernail are damaged, often due to injuries, such as hitting. More seriously, a black line or lines on the nails can indicate the presence of melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.
What causes horizontal lines on fingernails?
Beau’s lines are horizontal depressions on the fingernail, usually at the same area on the nail plate. They occur after or during a serious illness such as a systemic infection or diabetes. Cancer patients being treated with chemotherapy may get Beau’s lines.
What are the vertical lines on your fingernails?
Other medical disorders that can cause vertical ridges to appear in the nail include: trachyonychia peripheral vascular disease rheumatoid arthritis
What causes dark brown lines on fingernails?
Dark lines beneath the nail should be investigated as soon as possible. They are sometimes caused by melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Biting your nails may be nothing more than an old habit, but in some cases it’s a sign of persistent anxiety that could benefit from treatment.
