Many people experience changes in the skin tone around their nails. This discoloration can cause cosmetic concerns, as it can be a noticeable change to your hands and feet.
The causes of dark skin around nails range from the harmless to the potentially serious. Sometimes, dry skin or a vitamin deficiency could be to blame. In other cases, the dark skin could be a sign of a condition called melanonychia.
Whatever the underlying cause, there are ways to treat and prevent dark skin around your nails. Here’s what you need to know.
What causes dark skin around nails? Lifestyle and environmental factors
A number of things can cause the skin around your nails to darken. Here are a few of the most common:
Dehydration and nutritional deficiencies
Not drinking enough water can cause the skin around your nails to become dry and discolored. Dehydration may be a major cause of dark cuticles.
Vitamin B deficiencies, especially B12 and B6, may also cause the skin around your nails to darken. In general, poor nutrition can affect the health of your nails and skin, so make sure you’re eating a balanced diet.
Environmental factors and habits
Changes in weather can affect skin pigmentation and dryness, which can lead to skin darkening around the nails.
Exposure to harsh chemicals, like those in nail polish and remover, can cause irritation, so it’s important to look at EmoniNail ingredients and limit your use of harsh chemicals on your nails.
Unhealthy habits like nail-biting and thumb-sucking can also damage the skin around your nails.
Melanonychia: What to know about nail discoloration
Sometimes, the skin around your nails looks different for what seems like no reason. One possible cause of dark skin around the nails is melanonychia, a condition that causes dark discoloration of the nails themselves.
Melanonychia happens when there’s too much melanin in the nail unit. Melanin is a natural pigment that gives color to your skin, hair, and eyes. When melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin) go into overdrive, it can darken your nails.
Here’s a closer look at the different types of melanonychia:
- Longitudinal melanonychia: You’ll notice a dark stripe running from the base of your nail to the tip.
- Diffuse melanonychia: The entire nail darkens.
- Transverse melanonychia: Dark bands appear across the nail.
What causes melanonychia?
Melanonychia is related to melanocytic activity, meaning what the melanocytes are doing.
Sometimes, it’s melanocytic activation, meaning the melanocytes are producing more melanin without increasing in number.
Other times, melanonychia is related to melanocytic proliferation, meaning there are more melanocytes than usual. Melanocytic proliferation can be benign (not harmful) or malignant (cancerous).
If you notice dark skin around your nails or changes in your nails’ color or appearance, it’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and rule out any serious conditions.
Medical conditions and other potential causes
Sometimes, the reason for dark skin around your nails isn’t so obvious. Certain medical conditions, medications, or even injuries can lead to this discoloration.
Systemic diseases and medications
Systemic diseases, like Addison’s disease, can sometimes cause a condition called melanonychia, which, as discussed in our article about black lines on nails, leads to dark lines or bands on the nails. It’s not just diseases, though. Certain medications, especially chemotherapy drugs, can also cause nail discoloration.
Infections and inflammation
Fungal infections of the nail can also lead to darkening. Similarly, inflammatory conditions like psoriasis can affect nail pigmentation, causing the skin around the nails to darken.
Trauma and allergic reactions
Ever stub your toe or slam a finger in a door? Injury to the nail matrix (the area where your nails start growing) can cause discoloration. It’s not just big injuries, either. Even minor, repeated trauma can do it.
Allergic reactions to nail products can also irritate the skin around your nails, leading to darkening. This is why it’s so important to choose nail products carefully and to be aware of any sensitivities you might have.
Recognizing and addressing nail melanoma
It’s important to know the difference between melanonychia and nail melanoma. Melanonychia is usually harmless, but nail melanoma is a type of skin cancer. Here are some warning signs of nail melanoma, using the ABCDEF rule:
- Age (50-70 years old)
- Band (a brown or black band on your nail)
- Change (changes in the size or shape of the band)
- Digit (most common on the thumb, big toe, or index finger)
- Extension (pigment extends to the skin around the nail, also known as Hutchinson’s sign)
- Family history (family history of melanoma)
If you notice any dark streaks or changes in your nails, it’s always best to get them checked out by a doctor.
Treatments and Prevention
When the skin around your nails darkens, treatments depend on the cause.
Treatment options
- If a medical condition is to blame, addressing the underlying condition is the first step.
- If an infection or inflammation is to blame, your doctor may prescribe topical treatments or medications.
- If nail melanoma is diagnosed, surgical removal is often necessary.
Prevention tips
You can take steps to avoid skin darkening around your nails.
- Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet with enough vitamins and minerals, especially B6 and B12.
- Shield your nails from injury and harsh chemicals like nail polish and nail polish remover.
- Keep your nails clean and don’t bite them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the discoloration around my fingernails?
Discoloration around your fingernails can stem from a variety of causes. Common culprits include simple bruising from minor trauma, fungal infections, or even certain medications. In some cases, it could indicate an underlying health condition, making it important to pay attention to any accompanying symptoms.
What does vitamin D deficiency look like in nails?
While vitamin D deficiency primarily affects bone health, it can indirectly impact nail health. You might notice brittle nails, slow nail growth, or even nail deformities. However, these symptoms are not exclusive to vitamin D deficiency and can be associated with other nutritional deficiencies as well.
What do low iron nails look like?
Low iron (iron deficiency anemia) can manifest in your nails in a few ways. You might see pale nail beds, spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia), or brittle and easily broken nails, and sometimes, the free edge of the nail is uneven. If you suspect iron deficiency, a blood test from your doctor can confirm the diagnosis.
What do kidney disease nails look like?
Kidney disease can cause several changes in nail appearance. A common sign is “half-and-half” nails (Lindsay’s nails), where the bottom half of the nail is white and the top half is reddish-brown. Other potential signs include pale nails, Beau’s lines (horizontal grooves), and Mees’ lines (white bands).
Why are my nails turning dark on the sides?
Darkening on the sides of your nails could be due to several factors. Trauma, such as repeatedly bumping your fingers, can cause small blood vessels to break and lead to discoloration. Other potential causes include fungal infections, certain medications, or even melanoma (a type of skin cancer), though this is less common. If the darkening is spreading or accompanied by other symptoms, seeking medical advice is recommended.
Closing Thoughts
As you can see, dark skin around the nails can be caused by a number of things, from simple vitamin deficiencies to more serious health problems. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to any changes in the skin around your nails and talk to your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Early detection and professional medical advice are key when it comes to treating nail discoloration. By taking care of your nails and taking preventative measures, you can lower your chances of developing dark skin around your nails.