It can be worrying to see a black dot or spot on your nail. Even though it might seem like a minor problem, it’s important to know what it could mean. There are a number of reasons why these spots might appear; some are benign, while others might call for medical attention.
These dark spots have a number of causes. They may be the consequence of more severe medical disorders, fungal infections, or even small injuries. To effectively address the issue, one must first identify its cause.
This post will discuss the various causes of black spots on nails, how to
| Cause | Explanation |
| Injury | A bruise or small injury to the nail can cause a black spot, often due to trapped blood. |
| Fungal Infection | Some nail infections can cause dark spots or discoloration as the fungus grows. |
| Mole or Melanoma | A dark spot under the nail could be a mole or, in rare cases, a sign of melanoma. |
| Medication Side Effects | Certain medications may cause discoloration or black spots on nails. |
| Treatment | Depending on the cause, treatments may include antifungal creams, monitoring, or consulting a doctor. |
- What is it: description and photo
- Why do spots, dots or other defects of this color appear on the nail plates?
- If the cause is disease
- Infections
- Hand or legs injuries
- Uncomfortable shoes
- Pregnancy
- Treatment methods
- Folk remedies
- Drug treatment
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What is it: description and photo
A person with perfect health should have the following nails:
- even;
- shiny;
- delicate pink shade;
- with a clear snow-white lunula.
There are many factors that can cause deviations from the norm, including illnesses.
Vital. It is not sufficient to regard the presence of dots, spots, grooves, or stripes on the nail plate as a purely aesthetic flaw. Defects frequently indicate illnesses that impact the nail or internal organs.
Defects require extra consideration:
- dark brown color;
- rich black color;
- dark blue or greenish tint.
They may show up as stripes, rounded or uneven patches, or dots. Occasionally, the entire plate turns black. The reason behind the appearance of the spot determines its shape:
- rounded – the result of a slight bruise (hematoma);
- in the form of stripes – the result of microtrauma received during active movement, or diseases of internal organs;
- shapeless spot (or complete blackening of the nail) – a sign of a fungal infection;
- in the form of multiple dots – a signal of problems in the functioning of the liver.
Next, you can see what imperfections such as dots, grooves, or spots on fingernails or toenails look like in the picture.
Why do spots, dots or other defects of this color appear on the nail plates?
You can see the following in the list of elements that cause dark spots to appear on the nail plate:
- mechanical, chemical effects;
- infection;
- the presence of serious deviations in the body;
- psychological aspect;
- neglect of personal hygiene rules.
If the cause is disease
Punctate blackening that affects the nail plate frequently indicates a physiological problem. By looking at the appearance of the spot, you can identify which organ or system is affected by the pathological process:
- Brown circles – a manifestation of kidney disease.
- Multiple coal-black dots, located in groups indicate problems with the liver.
- Bluish spots are provoked by diseases of the heart and blood vessels, impaired blood circulation in the extremities.
- A defect in the form of stripes – evidence of endocarditis (associated symptoms – chills, increased sweating, swelling of the lower extremities). If the stripes are brown in color, and there is an itchy rash on the body, the problem is provoked by lichen planus.
If a person has one of the following diseases, their nail color will also change:
- brain;
- CNS;
- lymph nodes;
- endocrine and immune systems.
When jaundice is present, the nail plate takes on a pale brown hue. A deficiency of folic acid in the body can be indicated by partially darkened nails and nail fragility. Compaction, delamination, and total separation of the nail plate are caused by psoriasis.
Vital. The emergence of a defect in the form of nail plate cracking and the presence of blue spots on it concurrently with body neoplasms (moles, papillomas) is concerning. You need to see an oncologist right away. It is possible that a glomus tumor will be identified, necessitating surgery.
Infections
The appearance of darkened patches of skin beneath the nail is a result of infection—fungal infection, specifically. Under the nail plate, fungi enter and start to actively grow.
Distinguishing a bruise from an infection is not difficult. It disappears within a few days. For several months, signs of a fungal infection are present. have a propensity to grow larger, altering their shape.
Several other characteristics determine which nail is impacted by the fungus:
- the roughness of the front plate;
- the presence of recesses on it (differ in increased sensitivity when touching);
- inflammation of the nail bed and lateral rollers.
Fungal infections initially cause a change in nail color, which turns the nail yellow. It develops dark circles over time.
Acquiring a brown-colored nail plate, which is indicative of serious fungal damage. Our topic of discussion is onychomycosis.
A shift in the plate’s color indicates the presence of bacteria. She turns a shade of brownish green.
Hand or legs injuries
Darkening under the nail is frequently caused by the hands or legs, even in minor cases. Damage to the capillaries beneath the platinum is caused by finger injuries.
In addition, contact with common household chemicals can cause the defect. Adherence to safety protocols is imperative when using cleaning agents, pesticides, fertilizers, and detergents. Wearing protective gloves is advised to prevent the issue.
Uncomfortable shoes
- The appearance of dark spots on the nails of the lower extremities is often caused by the need to walk or stand a lot, wearing uncomfortable shoes.
- Prolonged compression of the upper part of the finger provokes hemorrhage. A black spot forms under the nail plate. It will go away on its own within a few weeks. You will need to change your shoes to more comfortable ones.
- Constant wearing of tight boots or shoes threatens not only a cosmetic defect, but also fungal nail infection, finger deformation, arthritis.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women’s nails may develop spots, which can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations and disruptions in metabolic functions. You shouldn’t be concerned. There is no connection between what is occurring and anomalies in the norm.
A black dot or spot on a nail can indicate a number of problems, ranging from small wounds to more significant medical problems. Nail trauma, fungus infections, and even underlying medical conditions are common causes. To choose the best course of action, the cause must be found. This post will examine the potential causes of these lesions, discuss treatment options, and include identification photos.
Treatment methods
When a patient complains of their nails becoming darker, the specialist chooses a course of treatment based on what initially caused the issue. Consideration is given to the underlying disease that produced this symptom. The patient will require a thorough assessment.
Eliminating the flaw calls for a thorough strategy:
- undergoing drug therapy prescribed by a doctor;
- following a diet;
- taking vitamin complexes;
- undergoing physiotherapy procedures;
- using folk remedies;
- giving up uncomfortable and tight shoes in favor of comfortable ones;
- proper nail care;
- removing an ingrown nail surgically (if necessary).
Folk remedies
Utilizing traditional recipes doesn’t always result in favorable outcomes. See a specialist before using any folk remedies.
In addition to prescribed medication therapy, home remedies can be beneficial. The following will be helpful if there are any dark patches or spots on the nail:
- taking warm baths with a soap or soda solution;
- applying tea tree oil to the problem area;
- treatment of the affected nail with iodine solution (concentration 5%) for 14 days or alcohol tincture of propolis;
- treatment with potassium permanganate solution (the remedy is effective if the lesion is fungal in nature).
Citation. Home remedies will not be helpful if the defect is a sign of a pathology that has affected the internal organs. Disease-related lesions, especially benign or malignant tumors, call for specialized medical attention.
Drug treatment
To find out why your nails are black, you must see a specialist before beginning any treatment.
You ought to see a mycologist or dermatologist. Next, consult a therapist.
The physician will examine you and refer you for tests. You’ll require:
- take a blood test;
- take a scraping from the nail plates;
- undergo an examination of the internal organs.
This will support or contradict the problem’s most likely cause.
The patient will receive the necessary treatment if the black spots are the result of an internal organ malfunction. It is possible to be admitted to the hospital. The illness that caused the nails to turn darker will be the target of therapy. If the underlying cause of the darkening is not addressed, cosmetic darkening removal will not produce the intended outcome.
Determine the type of spore that was impacted if a fungal infection is the reason for the nail plate’s darkening. Self-medicating is not appropriate. Only a specialist can choose the best antifungal medication and prescribe an appropriate course of treatment. If the issue is ignored, treatment becomes more difficult and recovery takes longer. Surgery may be recommended by the physician in cases where the illness is severe.
A cold compress should be applied to the injured area if an injury is the reason for the blackening on the nail plate. Apply ointment containing heparin to the injured area. Take Traumeel and Troxevasin together to aid in the hematoma’s faster dissolution.
Taking vitamin complexes and immunostimulants can help if your immune system is compromised.
Reference: If exposure to chemicals or dyes resulted in the formation of black spots on your nails, you can use soda or hydrogen peroxide at home to whiten your nails.
It can be unsettling to see a black dot or spot on your nail, but it’s crucial to realize that there are a number of possible causes. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial, regardless of the cause—a fungal infection, trauma, or something more dangerous like melanoma.
In the event that the spot is connected to an injury, it usually goes away as the nail grows out. It is best to consult a doctor if the black mark doesn’t go away or if its size or shape changes. A medical expert is qualified to determine the cause with accuracy and to suggest the best course of action.
Antifungal medications can help people with fungal infections, but it’s important to have patience as nails take time to grow and heal. These spots can be avoided by practicing good nail hygiene and shielding your nails from harm.
