Have you noticed black lines suddenly appearing on your nails? These lines, which seem unimportant at first glance, may actually be important signals that your body is trying to send you.
Most of us can ignore such details in the rush of daily life, but the condition of our nails can give important clues about our general health. If you have black lines on your nails, it is useful to know the reasons.
Trauma and injury
The most common cause of black lines on your nails is a blow or injury to the nail bed. Trauma can damage blood vessels and cause blood to accumulate under the nail, resulting in black lines. This condition is medically called subungual hematoma and usually heals on its own.
What is Melanonychia?
Melanonychia is the name given to the condition that occurs as a result of increased melanin pigment in the nail bed. This increase usually manifests itself as brown or black lines on the nail.
Melanonychia is generally considered harmless, but it can sometimes be a symptom of serious health problems such as melanoma. You should definitely see a doctor, especially if it appears as a distinct and thick line on a part of the nail.
Additionally, fungal nail infection is one of the causes of melonia. Candida infection can sometimes show itself as a black line. For this, a nail biopsy is required.
Medication side effects
Some medications can also cause color changes in nails. Chemotherapy drugs, antimalarial drugs and some antibiotics are among the drugs that cause discoloration.
If you notice changes in your nails after starting to use a new medication, you should tell your doctor.
Another cause of black lines on nails is HIV. We can also add the drugs used to treat this disease among the reasons.
Systemic diseases
Black lines on the nails can sometimes be a symptom of systemic diseases. Chronic diseases such as heart diseases, kidney failure or diabetes can negatively affect your nail health. In such cases, changes in your nails may be a sign of a larger problem going on in your body.
Recommendations to protect your nail health
To protect your nail health and detect possible problems early, check your nails regularly and consult a specialist if you notice any color changes or abnormalities.
You also need to follow a balanced diet that includes necessary vitamins and minerals. You can prevent black lines by protecting your nails from impacts, injuries, splinters, etc.
In conclusion, although black lines on your nails are not always a sign of a serious health problem, you can have healthier nails by ignoring these symptoms.
Wishing you a healthy and happy life :).
