VA
A female asked about a male:
What causes black lines in the toenails?
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jeffrey Kassanswered
Podiatry 29 years experience
Sometimes this: Is a normal variant, sometimes it could be blood that is dried, melanoma at times needs to be ruled out.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. HECTOR Francoanswered
Dermatology 47 years experience
Various things: In people with skin of color it may be a normal variation. Skin growths may also cause them, both of the benign and malignant kind. See your dermatologist.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Different causes: Black stripes down 1 nail may be subungual hematoma. Red or brown streaks may be splinter hemorrhages. Brown/black lines from nail plate to tip are often seen in people with dark skin & are normal. Subungual Melanoma can cause nail ridges & dark colors of cuticle. It most often effects the thumbs or big toes. Dark lines may be due to other illnesses. Get checked out when in doubt.
255 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
Philippines
A 41-year-old female asked:
I have black lines on my toenail is it something I should be worried?
4 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Brian Wagneranswered
Podiatry 19 years experience
Black lines: This could be caused by your skin color with melanin within the nail root. If there is one line or so and your light skinned i would have it looked at.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Canada
A 26-year-old male asked:
What cause faint lines on toenails?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Glenn Aufseeseranswered
Podiatry 10 years experience
Nail lines: Changes in nails can result from trauma, fungus, and systemic conditions such as psoriasis. I would recommend evaluation by a podiatrist or dermatologist if you are concerned.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Daytona Beach, FL
A 44-year-old female asked about a 52-year-old female:
What causes lines, ridges & bumps in fingernails & toenails?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. David Hettingeranswered
Podiatry 37 years experience
Could be MANY things: Reasons range from prior serious illness, psoriasis, trauma, metabolic disease, infection, etc. It's tough to tell without more details and an exam.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 1, 2018
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.