Dark lines in the nails of your fingers are actually dead skin cells that have been shed and fallen off. These dead skin cells can sometimes appear to look like a dark line or band in your nail. The dark line is usually on your little finger and rarely occurs in the other nails. It can appear to be more prominent if you have had your nail painted or cut recently. However, it is not always a sign of a problem.
What does a Dark Line in your Fingernail Mean?
There are many health issues that may cause dark lines in your fingernails, like alcoholism and baccy abuse. But dark lines on your fingernails can be a sign of other health issues that should be checked out, including psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. Dark lines in your fingernails are actually a sign of a fungal infection. The dark lines occur when tiny, similar looking mites called mites burrow under your fingernails. They feed on oils and make dark lines on your nails. Some of the most common types of mites are Jaboras and Tungiasis. Jaboras can cause a severe rash that looks like small red bumps under the nails. Tungiasis can cause a itchy red rash on the bottom of your feet and the side of your heels. Both of these mites can be easily treated with the help of a health care provider. For more information, talk to your doctor.
Causes of Darker Fingernails
When someone’s fingernails are darker than the surrounding skin, it’s usually because of a skin disorder called Onycholysis. This is when the nail is removed from the top layer of skin and is then exposed to the elements. Onycholysis occurs because the nail is weaker than the surrounding skin. The most common cause is pregnancy, but there are a number of other reasons that can cause it. If you notice darker nails, it’s important to get them checked out by a dermatologist.
Why Do Some of Us Have Darker Fingernails?
Many of us notice that some of our nails have more of a brownish-black tone than others. A dark line in your fingernail is likely to be the result of a condition called melanonychia. This condition involves the appearance of a dark, black line in the nail. This condition occurs when the color of the nail plate becomes dark, and most often it can happen as a result of nail psoriasis or disorders that affect the immune system. In some cases, nail psoriasis can be cured by using prescription treatments. But in many cases, it can only be treated by using a less strong treatment. In these cases, it is possible to treat the condition with home remedies such as nail polish removers, hydrogels, or nail creams. Nail psoriasis is usually worse in winter, so it is important to avoid nail biting and to avoid scratching the area around the nail to prevent the nail from becoming infected. Another cause of nail psoriasis is onychomycosis. This condition causes the nail to be surrounded by a fungal infection. The treatment for this condition will likely be prescription treatments.
How Do We Get a Darker Fingernail?
A dark line in your fingernail means that the color is at the top of your nail. If you have a dark line in your fingernail, it can mean you have problems with your saliva glands. You may notice this if you have more of a yellow color on the top of your nail, since this may mean you don’t have enough saliva. Your tongue may also be stained yellow, as well. Since saliva is the key to how well you can taste foods, if you’re having problems with your saliva glands, you may have a hard time tasting foods. You may also notice that if you can’t taste food properly, you may develop a bitter taste in your mouth.
What Does Darker Fingernail Mean?
If you have a darker line in your fingernails, you may be suffering from iron deficiency. This is especially true if your fingernails are lighter than usual and the color is more similar to the surrounding skin color than the nail color itself. If you have dark or thickened nails, you’re also more likely to have poor circulation. Your nails are a window to your internal health. While you may see dark fingernails as a sign of a poor diet, they can also be a sign of iron deficiency. The dark line on the nail is a sign that there isn’t enough iron in your body. You can take iron supplements to increase your iron levels, but be sure to check with your doctor before taking supplements. Iron deficiency is the most common type of anemia in the United States, affecting more than 40 million people. While anemia can be related to pregnancy, most cases of iron deficiency are in men, women, and children.