Are you dealing with black lines appearing on your nails? Do you want to know how these dark marks affect the health of your nails and what treatments are available for how to get rid of black lines on nails?
In this article, we’ll discuss the cause and symptoms of black lines on nails, as well as provide insight into some remedies that can help you get rid of them.
What Are Black Lines On My Nails?
Black lines on the fingernails could be due to a couple of different things. The most common cause of a new black line or stripe on your finger nail, is a condition called melanonychia.
Which is caused by an increase in the amount of melanin (the dark pigment that gives skin and hair its color) deposited into the nail plate.
Other possible causes include fungal infection, injury and even certain medications.
What Causes Black Lines To Appear On Your Nails?
Black lines appearing on your nails can be caused by a variety of factors. While some of these factors may be harmless, others may be signs of a more serious underlying condition.
As such, you need to know the possible causes of black lines appearing on your nails, and when to seek medical advice.
One of the most common causes of black lines appearing on your nails is trauma. This can include anything from small dings or snags to major breaks or bumps.
It is also possible for the nail to turn black due to pressure from tight-fitting shoes or other items applied directly to the toenail or fingernail.
This is especially likely if the item is left in place for extended periods of time.
In some cases, black lines on the nails can be a sign of an infection. Fungal infections of the nail bed are one of the most common causes of this symptom, and can cause the nail to turn black and become thick and brittle.
It is also possible for lines to appear due to bacterial infections of the nail bed, particularly when they involve Streptococcus pyogenes.
As well as infections, black lines on the nails can also be caused by medical conditions such as Raynaud’s syndrome, psoriasis, pemphigoid, and lichen planus.
Raynaud’s syndrome can cause constriction of blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood supply and discoloration of the nails.
Psoriasis and pemphigoid can cause the nail bed to become inflamed and discolored.
Lichen planus, meanwhile, can cause white or black lines to appear on the nails.
Any new nail changes should be talked about with your doctor for information, to be sure you’re not dealing with something like melanoma, skin cancer or other worrying issues.
How to Get Rid of Black Lines on Nails?
Having black lines on the nails can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing issue to deal with because of the visible nature of the problem.
Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used to help get rid of the black lines.
The primary cause of the problem is said to be nutrient deficiencies within the body, which can be caused by a variety of different things, from poor diet and lifestyle habits to not getting enough vitamins and minerals in your daily routine.
For this reason, the most common solution for getting rid of the black lines on nails is to try and address any underlying nutritional deficiencies that you may have.
To do this, try making sure you’re getting enough iron, zinc, and biotin in your diet, as well as getting enough of the other essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and selenium.
As well as addressing any nutritional deficiencies, there are also a few other ways you can try to get rid of the black lines on your nails.
First, try using an over-the-counter antiseptic cream or ointment that’s specifically designed to treat nail fungus or other conditions that might be contributing to the issue.
There are also some home remedies you can try, such as soaking your nails in a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or using lemon essential oil to help reduce the discoloration.
You may want to consider seeing a doctor or a podiatrist if you find that none of these remedies are helping with the issue.
If Black Lines Appear On Your Nails, Can They Disappear Without Treatment?
Many people are concerned when black lines appear on their nails, as they can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Thankfully, in some cases, these dark lines can disappear without treatment.
The cause of dark lines on the nails, also known as longitudinal melanonychia, is usually not known.
It’s believed that it’s an inherited trait, so if your parents or grandparents had them, then you may too.
Dark lines can also appear as a result of certain medical conditions such as a fungal infection, psoriasis, or a reaction to a specific medication.
Although the cause of dark lines isn’t always known, the good news is that they often go away on their own over time.
If you’ve recently noticed dark lines on your nails, and they don’t seem to be getting any worse, then it may be worth waiting to see if they go away without treatment.
However, if the lines are getting darker or if they’re accompanied by other symptoms such as cracking or curving of the nails, then you should see a doctor for assessment and treatment.
If your doctor does diagnose a fungal infection or psoriasis as the cause of the lines, there are antifungal medications and topical treatments that can help to reduce the discoloration and help the lines to fade.
In some cases, laser therapy may be recommended, and this can help to reduce the appearance of the lines.
How To Prevent Black Lines Appearing On Your Nails?
1. Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats.
2. Avoid biting your nails or picking at them, which can cause damage to the nail bed and result in black lines appearing on your nails.
3. Wear gloves when doing household chores or gardening to protect your hands from harsh chemicals that can contribute to black lines forming on your nails.
4. Apply moisturizer regularly to keep the skin around your nails hydrated and protected from environmental pollutants that can damage the delicate tissue around the cuticle area.
5. Consult a doctor if you have underlying medical conditions such as anemia, psoriasis or thyroid issues which could be contributing factors for dark lines appearing on your nails.
How To Treat Discoloration Of The Nails?
Discoloration of the nails can be caused by a variety of different factors, and treatments can vary depending on the underlying cause.
While discoloration of the nails can be disconcerting, remember that some discoloration is not necessarily dangerous.
For example, nail discoloration due to a fungal infection is usually easily treatable.
If discoloration is accompanied by pain, redness or swelling of the nail bed, it could be an indication of an underlying medical condition.
Such as psoriasis or a bacterial infection. In that case, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
For minor cases of nail discoloration, it is possible to treat it at home. For example, drinking plenty of water and using moisturizing creams and lotions can help keep the nails hydrated and less prone to discoloration.
It also helps to keep your nails trimmed and clean, which can prevent extra discoloration.
Regularly applying high-quality nail polish can help protect your nails and improve their appearance.
You could consider trying some home remedies such as soaking your nails in warm olive oil, tea tree oil, or vinegar.
These natural remedies may help to reduce nail discoloration and improve the overall health of your nails.
However, you should know, that they may not be effective for every type of discoloration, like discoloration caused by health conditions like endocarditis or raynaud.
Can Baking Soda And Apple Cider Vinegar Get Rid Of Black Stripes On Your Nails?
Yes, baking soda and apple cider vinegar can be used to get rid of black stripes on your nails, if they’re not caused by trauma or health issues.
To do this, simply mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
Soak your nails in the mixture for 10 minutes and then rinse them off with warm water. This should help remove any discoloration caused by black stripes on your nails.
You can also use baking soda and apple cider vinegar to exfoliate your nails and remove dead skin cells that may be contributing to the discoloration.
Make sure to moisturize your nails with a good quality oil or lotion after treatment.
Which Vitamin Deficiencies Can Cause Black Lines On Nails?
A vitamin deficiency can cause black stripes on your nails, also called splinter hemorrhages.
When there is an underlying medical condition or nutritional deficiencies, it can lead to a disruption in the production of healthy nail cells.
Resulting in these splinter hemorrhage lines on your nails, leading to noticeable pigmentation. Common vitamins and minerals that can contribute to this include:
- Iron: A lack of iron in your diet can cause anemia, which then causes black lines on the nails. Foods high in iron include red meat, spinach, beans and lentils.
- Biotin: A deficiency of biotin, also known as vitamin B7, can lead to brittle nails that are prone to splitting or chipping. Foods high in biotin include eggs, nuts, and whole grains.
- Vitamin C: Deficiency of vitamin C can cause cracks to appear in the nails because it weakens the connective tissue between them. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are rich sources of vitamin C.
- Vitamin D: A lack of vitamin D can lead to softer and weaker nails that are prone to splitting. Foods high in vitamin D include fish, eggs, and mushrooms.
Note that horizontal stripes on the nails could also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or heart disease.
If you have these symptoms, seek medical advice to identify any potential medical causes.
If you think a vitamin deficiency is causing your black lines on the nails, it is best to consult a doctor or nutritionist for advice on increasing your intake of these vitamins and minerals through diet or supplements.
Doing this can help prevent more damage to your nails and keep them looking healthy.
How Can Nail Trauma Lead To Discolored Nails?
Nail trauma is an unfortunate side-effect of everyday activities. When the nail is damaged, it can cause discoloration, deformities, and infections.
In fact, it’s estimated that over 50% of adults will experience some form of nail trauma in their lifetime.
Nail trauma is often caused by events such as dropping something heavy on the nail, or clipping them too aggressively. Even as small an injury as stubbing your toe can cause discoloration.
The discoloration is usually a yellow or dark color and can be accompanied by a darker halo around the affected area.
As well as trauma-related discoloration, there are other factors to consider.
Many medical conditions, such as fungal infections, diabetes, and kidney or liver disorders, can contribute to yellowing of the nails.
Sometimes, even nail treatments such as painting or other treatments can cause discoloration.
Protecting your nails and being aware of potential causes of nail trauma is the best way to guarantee healthy nails.
Wear protective gloves while working to avoid unnecessary damage, keep your nails short and trim them regularly, and avoid using harsh detergents that can dry out the cuticles.
If you’re experiencing discoloration, seek medical advice from a professional before treating your nails, especially if you have thicker lines, as there could be an underlying health condition, which will need treatment.
How To Maintain Good Nail Health To Prevent Discoloration
Maintaining good nail health is essential for preventing discoloration, as it can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of your hands and feet.
Proper nail care includes regularly trimming and filing your nails, regularly moisturizing them with a cuticle oil, and using a good quality nail polish when necessary.
Avoid activities that could potentially damage your nails, such as excessive filing or biting them.
For those looking for an even more comprehensive approach to nail health, dietary modifications can also be beneficial.
Eating foods rich in calcium and Vitamin D, such as dairy products and leafy green vegetables, can help keep your nails strong and promote healthy growth.
Similarly, a diet with ample B vitamins, iron and zinc may help prevent yellowing and other discolorations.
Lastly, regular vitamin D exposure from the sun is essential for maintaining the health of your nails.
The key to avoiding discoloration of the nails is to practice good preventive care.
Taking the time to properly hygienic, moisturize and nourish your nails will not only help you maintain good nail health but will also help you look and feel better.
Summary
Black lines on the nails can be caused by a wide variety of sources, such as trauma, vitamin deficiency, and medical conditions.
To prevent discoloration and other nail damage, it is important to practice good preventive care.
Including regularly trimming and filing the nails, moisturizing them with cuticle oil and wearing protective gloves while working.
Eating foods rich in calcium, Vitamin D, and other B vitamins, iron and zinc can also help prevent discoloration. Lastly, regular vitamin D exposure from the sun is essential for good nail health.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty. In addition to Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!