Dark streak in a nail (needs checking)

Overview

A brown or black line running the length of a nail is common in darker skin and often harmless.

A new streak in one nail, a widening or uneven streak, or color spreading to the skin needs a melanoma check.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Dark line in a nail
• Dark streak or line in a nail without an injury

Less common

• Nail splitting

Look up a symptom: Dark streak or line in a nail without an injury

When to get medical care

Causes

Pigment, injury, melanoma.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Darker skin
• People with darker skin: Harmless streaks are very common
• Adults over 50: A new streak needs a check

Possible complications

• Melanoma

Diagnosis

Exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Biopsy:

Treatment

Get checked.

Self-care

• Photo it monthly

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Protect nails from injury

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults over 50: New streaks need checking.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Usually harmless.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Does this need a biopsy?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Dark streak in a nail (needs checking)