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Doctor insights on:
Line Thumb Nail
1
What causes a very thin vertical black line down thumb nail?
Nail line: Usually it is a normal variant. Sometimes a mole or even a rare melanoma skin cancer can look like a black line in the nail. You should have a dermatogist evaluate the nail. ...Read more
2
My boyfriend has a black line on his thumb nail. What does it mean? How can it go away? Is it something to be worried about? He hasn't smashed it
Black line: This probably is going to last for a while. Unfortunately, there seems to be no explanation to the process. It won't hurt to check out with a dermatologist. ...Read more
3
I have a line in the thumb nail, seems 2 be hollow, kind of greyish, I have been trying to lose weight, have other lines but not too apparent
Nail health: Single lines in a thumb nail can be a normal variant if they are small. However, your nails can also provide a signal for nutritional deficiency and can sometimes be a sign of other medical conditions. Best to talk with a general internist about your health and nutrition. ...Read more
4
I have a line under my thumb nail. It's like a red color. Also have a growth under my nail at the top of the line. Feels like a hang nail. Any ideas?
Cuticle: Maybe the cuticle is pushed back. Or possibly fungus. See a doctor or send a photo for help here. ...Read more
5
I have a black line vertical of my thumb nail. Can you help me.
Not unusual: Don't treat it unkess it gets karger I which case you should see dermatologist ...Read more
6
One VERY TINY vertical super skinny red line is under my thumb nail... is this anything serious? Will it go away on its own and how long will it take?
Splinter hemorrhage: This is likely a splinter hemorrhage. This is very common after a minor trauma to the nail - you may not have even been initially aware of the inciting injury. It should go away in a few days. If it persists then I advise consulting a dermatologist. ...Read more
7
I have a dark vertical black line on my left thumb nail. Is it melanoma?
Maybe?: Most likely a buise or injury; however, do not take a risk. Get checked out by a board certified dermatologist. If it is a melanoma, the sooner it is treated the better. Can't tell for certain without an examination. ...Read more
8
I have a beau line at my right thumb nail only...6mm=60days ago I understand. Is it something to worry about? The base line is depressed. .
Trauma?: A horizontal growth line that is depressed and likely appeared after trauma (as other causes like illness, dietary deficiency would effect all nails) is not a health concern. After such events, it takes a cpl wks to see the line, and as growth occurs, the line will grow out and a new nail will form underneath/pushing old nail out. It will remodel over 6 months. Don't be concerned b 4 then. ...Read more
9
I noticed a single gray line, appearing on my thumb nail, which goes from the tip of the nail to end. Vertically. Could this be a sign of a deficiency?
Probably benign: The diagnosis that seems to most closely fit with your description (without a picture) is melanonychia striata, which is most common in the thumb. It results from increased melanin deposit in the nail plate. This can be caused by bleeding into the nail plate, a small foreign body, fungal infection or wart, or tumor-like growth of melanocyte. A skilled dermatologist needs to examine it for you. ...Read more
10
2 days ago I got2 thin black line beneath my left thumb nail, I go to dermatologist to see if it melanoma. She think the lines too vague that it isnt, she said if it is, it should be thick&darker. T/f?
True: Melanoma rarely develops that quickly (in 2 days). A biopsy can always be performed to confirm this. ...Read more
11
A year ago I found a brown line in my thumb finger nail. It was almost transparent and now it has become darker. Melanoma?
Can't diagnose:
Dark lines in black people over age 20 is usually normal. Black stripes down one nail could be a subungual hematoma. Red or brown streaks could be splinter hemorrhages.
However, Melanoma can sometimes present as dark stripes on a nail.
...Read more
12
My thumb nail is turning completly white?
WHITE NAIL: White nails can be do to a number of things. It can be a superficial fungous infection, occasonally a result of medication. It may all disappear with time. If you are worried, do see a dermatologist. ...Read more
13
What are the possible causes of thumb nail pain?
Trauma most common: Injury would be the most common cause. It can be caused by infections around the nail (paronychia) or rarely by tumors under the nail. It is difficult to be any more precise than this without examining your thumb. ...Read more
14
Do I need a shot for a nail into my thumb thank you
If: If you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years, then yes. ...Read more
15
Tip of my thumb nail is partially cut. Should I remove it?
Yes and no:
If it is a small piece you can remove it.
If it is covering part of the bed under the nail then keep it cover till it heals underneath. The bed under the nail is very tender if exposed. Apply vaseline to the area that is exposed till it heals.
...Read more
16
Pain around thumb nail and discoloration within last 2 days?
An injury:
Pl see attached for a good review of nail conditions.
You can either go to your GP or a podiatrist, whoever can get you in quickly to relive pain.
...Read more
17
How to know if I need to remove my thumb nail after this injury?
Have it looked at: Sometimes if there is blood under the nail a small hole can be made with a special drill and the nail can be saved. The idea is to prevent injury to the nail bed from which the nail grows. ...Read more
18
I have a line going down the middle of my thumb nail. What does it mean?
Melanonychia: Melanonychia is brown or black pigmentation of the nail unit. Melanonychia commonly presents as pigmented band arranged lengthwise along the nail unit, and this presentation is known as longitudinal melanonychia (lm) or melanonychia striata. The most concerning cause of melanonychia is subungual melanoma, although a variety of other causes can induce melanonychia. ...Read more
19
I have light brown lines on both of my thumbs and my nails are kinda bumpy like horizontal ridges?
Nails as a mirror: Nail and skin changes could be reflective of systemic or local diseases. When did you notice these changes? Are you pushing your cuticles down causing nail bed trauma? Do you have any other symptoms and/or chronic diseases? Is your diet balanced - are you taking enough minerals and vitamins? ...Read more
20
The upper half of my left thumb on the inside (not around the nail) suddenly turned blue. What is this?
Vein rupture:
Did you hit your thumb or bump it, right before?
Sometimes people can have a small venous malformation from birth. You will need to find a phlebologist who knows how to scan with ultrasound. Have your primary care refer after exam. Www. Phlebology. Org.
...Read more
21
My thumb nail is split vertically and I can never grow it out because of this. What would cause this to happen?
Injury: Injury to the base of the nail is the usual cause of splitting like what you are describing. ...Read more
22
I have a deep indent in my right thumb nail. It came out of no where and I do not know if I should worry about it.
See PCP/Hand MD: If multiple nails are indented then you may be suffering from anemia. If isolated nail with recent development of indentation then you may have a mucous cyst pressing on the nail growth plate. See your pcp and hand surgeon. ...Read more
23
I have one said of my thumb nail blacking and thick. Each time I cut it off it grows back the same. What is causing this?
See your doctor: You should have your doctor look at it if it persists. ...Read more
24
Often notice horizontal ridges on thumb nail, usually only one nail. Currently there are 2 horizontal on one nail. What could cause this?
If only on ONE:
Nail it usually indicates TRAUMA to that cuticle at a remote time (often seen with manicures)
Multiple horizontal ridges indicate an ILLNESS or NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY at the time of the nail growth.
Hope this helps
NOTE THYROID conditions have been associated with nail abnormalities.
...Read more
25
I slammed my thumb in a car door three weeks ago. The nail has turned black shortly after, but now there is a foul odor. Should I be concerned?
Yes: The nail bed is covered in old blood that alone would not be a concern but with foul odor implies tissue destruction and infection. Needs to be properly evaluated by your doctor. ...Read more
26
There is a dark-brown line on the nail of my thumb which goes from the root of the nail to the end and is around 1mm in width. What could this be?
Blood clot is likely:
Blood clot as a result of trauma to the finger is a common cause;
However an exaination by your doctor will help rule out other possibilities;
...Read more
27
I am experiencing pain under my right thumb nail, it's pains inside that I couldn't define what was it most specially when I press it. What do u think?
Need follow-up: It could be that something got under the nail bed. If it continues see a Physician. ...Read more
28
Why is my thumb nail flattening?
Anemia: The commonest cause of flat nails is iron deficiency anemia.Spooning of nails also may result. ...Read more
29
Why would my thumb nails be gray?
Other than chemical: Agents, I worry about Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Lichen planus, Syphilis andTopical agents, including hair dyes, solvents for false nails, varnish, and formaldehyde. See derm for answers ...Read more
30
My fingernails are rippled especially my thumb nails.
Probably normal: If you are describing ridges that extend from your cuticle to the tip of your nail they are normal. They tend to become more common as you get older. ...Read more