Black Lines On Nails: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Black lines on nails are narrow vertical lines underneath the nails. These may indicate a range of problems from something harmless to more severe health conditions if you doubt how to get rid of black lines on nails. In this article, you can learn how to get rid of black lines on nails and how to prevent them.

Some of the characteristics of these black lines on nails are;

• They are blackish or reddish-brown.
• When pressure is applied to the nail, the appearance does not change.
• It appears under the nail in one or more areas.

As the nail grows, thicker lines appear as horizontal stripes, referred to as Beau’s lines. They are not harmful, but they may be a sign of subungual melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Especially if the nails bleed or cause pain for no reason, changes to the nails should not be ignored.

Black Lines On Nails Symptoms 

It is normal to find small vertical ridges on healthy nails that are curved downward from the nail and do not break or crack easily.

A black line, however, can be a symptom of;

Linear Melanonychia 

There may be dark stripes running down the nails of someone Clear cachewith linear melanonychia. These stripes range in color from black to dark brown to gray. The lines may appear on two to five fingernails rather than all ten.

Subungual Melanoma

A person with subungual melanoma will only have a black stripe on one fingernail, and this cannot be attributed to trauma. The black stripe will darken or widen over time and may cause pain or even bleeding.

Splinter Hemorrhage

When it appears like a wood splinter under the nail, the black line is called a splinter hemorrhage. Blood leaks from damaged small blood vessels that run underneath the nail. Splinter hemorrhages are small black or deep-red lines that usually go away on their own within a few days. Multiple splinter hemorrhages on several nails can indicate an underlying condition.

What Causes Black Lines On Nails?

There are several reasons why black lines appear on nails. The common causes include;

A Traumatic Event

The most common cause of black lines is when the nail bed becomes damaged and a small blood vessel bursts under the nail. If you try to squeeze something tightly, you can even cause nail trauma.

Endocarditis

There is a connection between black lines in nails and heart problems. Inflammation and infection of the heart muscles and valves are the symptoms of endocarditis. Black lines on the nails are not typical symptoms of endocarditis.

Psoriasis

Symptoms of psoriasis include red, scaly, itchy patches on the skin that can cause black lines on the nails.

Vitamin Deficiency

You can develop black lines on your nails due to a poor diet that depletes your body of minerals and vitamins.

Black lines on nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including;

• Vasculitis – Inflammation of the blood vessels
• Infections
• Lupus – A systemic autoimmune disease
• Onychomycosis – An infection of the nail caused by a fungus
• Lichen planus – A condition that affects nails and causes ridding, thinning, and splitting
• Drugs that affect and alter blood clotting
• Raynaud’s disease – A disorder of blood vessels
• Circulatory, kidney, or lung diseases
• Chemotherapy drugs

Can Black Lines On Nails Be Treated?

The treatment for black lines on nails varies depending on the underlying condition. Occasionally, these black lines do not require treatment, and they gradually disappear with the nail.

The black line may indicate another medical condition that requires treatment. Black lines can be caused by a variety of conditions, so there is no standard treatment.

For example, if the black lines are caused by endocarditis, the treatment may involve antibiotics and probably surgery. Because psoriasis is a chronic condition, there is a variety of topically applied and oral treatments and prevention approaches available.

When melanoma is the cause of black lines on nails, the melanoma area and the skin under the fingernail are removed. A doctor may amputate a finger if melanoma has spread to the bone in order to prevent it from spreading further.

Tips For Getting Rid Of Black Lines On Nails?

There are several natural methods to remove black lines from nails. These include;

Diet Alteration

Considers consuming nutrient-rich foods.

• Include plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Include healthy foods such as dark greens, fish, eggs, and foods rich in zinc, iron, and vitamin C.

Baking Soda For Fungal Infections

Antifungal properties of baking soda help prevent fungal infections.

• Make a mixture of baking soda in a bowl with ¼ cup of baking soda, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, and water.
• Soak the nails with black nails for 15 minutes in the mix
• then dry your nails with a soft cloth
• The treatment can be repeated twice a day to remove the fungus and prevent recurrence of black lines

Coconut Oil For Fungal Infections

Coconut oil contains antifungal properties. Coconut oil serves as a barrier on the nail and prevents moisture from accumulating there. The moist environment is a conducive breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Consider applying coconut oil directly to the nail thrice per day to avoid the growth of bacteria or fungus.

Lemon For Fungal Infections

Citrus fruits contain antibacterial and antifungal properties. For this treatment, place a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice on your nails three times a day. You can also apply lemon juice directly to your nails.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a probiotic containing good bacteria.

• You can apply yogurt directly to your nails and leave it on for 15 minutes.
• Rinse the yogurt off your nails and pat them dry.
• You can repeat this treatment two to three times a day.

Maintain Proper Nail Health

Tips include;

• Make sure to clean and dry your nails to prevent bacterial or fungal growth.
• Make sure to trim your nails regularly and avoid growing them too long.
• Avoid harsh products that can damage your nails.
• Consider using natural nail products
• And wearing gloves when handling chemicals.
• When your nails are weak and brittle, consume a protein-rich diet to strengthen them

It is possible that the cause of black lines on nails is not serious, and you can take care of your nails by following these natural tips.