What Causes Vertical Black Lines on Fingernails?
Vertical black lines on fingernails are often caused by nail matrix nevi, fungal infections, skin lesions, or long-term medication, which seriously affects the beauty of the hands. It is important to observe the shape of the vertical black lines on the nails in daily life. If there are obvious protrusions or abnormal symptoms, one should promptly go to the hospital for examination and pathological testing, and conduct targeted treatment after confirming the cause. The following are common reasons for vertical black lines on nails:
1. Nail matrix nevi are tumors derived from nail matrix cells, which are often solitary, and a few patients may have multiple nevi. The manifestation is the appearance of black stripes on the nail plate, which gradually widen and darken.
2. Nail dystrophy is often related to trauma, chemical irritation, and other factors.
3. Onychomycosis is a change in the nail plate caused by fungal infection of the nail plate.
4. Some nail changes accompany skin diseases, such as psoriasis and lichen planus, which often lead to changes in the nails.
5. Drug-related factors. Some people who take traditional Chinese medicine or specific medication supplements for a long time may deposit the drugs on the nail plate, forming vertical black lines.
Observing the shape of the vertical lines and conducting targeted treatment: If there is only a slight change in color, slightly gray, without obvious protrusions or symptoms, and without tenderness, erosion, or exudation, it may be due to a lack of trace elements. It is recommended to go to a local hospital for trace element testing and supplement accordingly after detecting abnormalities. If the vertical black lines are dark and accompanied by obvious protrusions, some individuals may also experience pain, erosion, or exudation. This may indicate a nail matrix nevus. It is necessary to go to a local hospital for nail removal treatment, while excising the skin under the nail bed where the melanin nevus is located for pathological testing. If necessary, a whole-body lymphatic system test can be performed to screen for any spread.
