What Your Nails Are Trying to Tell You About Your Health

3.Dark Lines Beneath the Nail

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Dark lines or spots under the nails can occur from injury, like catching your finger in a door, creating bleeding under the nail. However, when you notice dark streaks without any damage, it becomes crucial to visit a doctor right away, as this can indicate skin cancer. Medically called melanonychia, these dark streaks are particularly worrying when they appear on one nail. While some lines can be harmless and connected to medication, pregnancy, or race, any new or changing line should be examined by a medical provider. Subungual melanoma, a form of skin cancer, represents the most serious worry. Early identification is essential, so any unexplained dark line—particularly one that becomes wider or darker—should be assessed quickly.