Black Streaks Under the Nails: Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatment 2020!
Black Streaks under the nails (fingernails or the toenails) can be very dangerous. Make 100% sure that you don’t have something more dangerous!
Black Streaks under the nails (fingernails or the toenails) can be very dangerous. Follow our diagnosis guide to see if you should be worried!
Causes:
- The most common cause of black under the toenails is dry blood.
- Most People Should Not Be Worried!
- A thick black dark streak could be a subungual melanoma- a type of skin cancer.
- Don’t be too worried though, the odds are low that you actually have this tough, but better safe than sorry!
- Watch the video above to get a better idea if this is what you have.
- But always make sure to get checked out.
Dangerous Cause:
- Subungual melanoma is the most dangerous cause.
- It is a very rare form of skin cancer; it is usually seen between ages forty to seventy.
- It is not due to sun exposure or trauma.
- It just appears one day without any incident.
- If your dark spot appears after an injury then you are most likely on the safe side.
Subungual Melanoma:
- The outlook is usually very good if the cancer is confined to just the toe.
- Most people that suffer from this disease have avoided seeking treatment for many, many years. It has usually spread far throughout the body.
- If you are cautious and follow up on the streaking and ulcerating in a reasonable amount of time, you will most likely be safe.
- The cure consists of excising the lesion or amputation the tip of your fingernail.
- See your podiatrist as soon as possible!
Visit a podiatrist for a biopsy immediately if:
- The black streak is over 3 millimeters in width.
- The streak is widest at the start of the nail origin.
- The streak is not uniform or appears disrupted.
- The streak changes color the further you get.
- The streak continues from under the nail into the skin, termed “Hutchinson’s sign”.
- The nail becomes deformed, bloody or starts to crack in the area of the streak.
- The nail looks very unusual compared to the other nails.
- The streak is more common in the thumb and the big toe.
- The streak may even be white; in this case be aware of a nodule or irregularity that is forming under the nail plate.
- If you have ever considered that there may be a wart underneath your nail that is just not healing.
Safe Causes:
- The odds of the streak in your fingernail are actually pretty low because a lot of people, especially African Americans normally have light thin streaks of dark pigment that that form a vertical line down their nail which is completely normal. It is very easy to predict whether the streak is dangerous or safe.
- Normal vertical streaks of pigment that are not melanoma. This is especially common in non-white individuals. These are usually thin lines in a very normal looking nail; check the guide below to see if you are on the safe side or if you should go get it checked out.
- Trauma and loss of fingernail leading to a streak of blood. But this should eventually grow out at 1mm per month. If the blood is not advancing then you should get it checked out just to be safe!
Probably safe if:
- The streak is less than 3 millimeters in width.
- The streak is uniform in length and of continuous color as it progresses down the nail.
- The streak or pigment is only present in the nail and not in the skin.
- The nail is not deformed, bloody or cracked in that area.
- The nail looks normal compared to the other nails.
Other Causes Of Black Spots Under The Toenail:
Other causes include:
- Blood under the toenail.
- Pseudomonas nail infections
Toenail Fungus Can Cause Black Streaks:
If the above does not sound like your situation, consider toenail fungus as well.
- Toenail fungus is associated with 80% of all toenail problems.
- It usually manifests as thick yellow toenails, but there can be brown and black marks as well.
Toenail Fungus Is Associated With 80% Of All Toenail Problems:
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus:
- Thick yellow toenails.
- Crumbling debris underneath the toenails.
- Incurvated or possibly ingrown toenails.
- Discoloration or streaking.
Click on this link to our comprehensive nail fungus home treatment guide. Always be sure to see a podiatrist if you are ever unsure!
Home Treatment:
How to fix toenail fungus:
- There are many different types of toenail damage.
- In our experience, about 90% or more is related to toenail fungus.
- The key to toenail fungus is to trim it is much as possible, and file that nailed down.
- If you are able to do that, you have to make sure you can kill fungus the rest of the way.
- The best way to do that is to soak exfoliate the affected toenail skin. So, consider foot soaks.
- At the same time you have to apply antifungal medication such as these medications recommended here, or the toenail repair pens
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Top Choice For Direct Toenail Application.
Top Choice For Cream For Toenails & Webspaces.
Great Option For Foot Soak.
Price:
$19.90
$15.49
$15.97
Overview:
All natural option that is toxic to fungus. This is similar to tea tree oil in that respect but can be more effective. You still need to exfoliate dead skin and trim thick toenails.
All natural cream option. This is a good option compared to some of the quick dry gels. This can be used on the skin surrounding your toenails.
Safe, cost effective and relaxing all at the same time! This needs to be used in a 20 minute foot soak. Works well for exfoliating loose skin/toenail as well as softening.
Pros:
All natural, relatively cost effective. 1,000s of reviews with excellent results. Very clean and quick drying, easy to apply.
Relatively cost effective. All natural tea tree oil that is proven toxic to fungus. Can be used on surrounding skin as well.
Very safe, little risk, low cost and very effective if used correctly. The key is to use it as an aid to soften and exfoliate loose/dry dead skin and toenail.
Cons:
Small amount and a little more expensive than some other options. Once more has 0% chance of working if your goal is to heal a dead, detached toenail or dry skin. Are you noticing this is a trend? This is really the key!
Still more expensive than other options. Can get messy all over different areas of your foot. Key is still debride and cleaning your dry dead toenails and skin. TRIM them!
It once more has 0% chance working if you are trying to save loose and dead crusty skin. Fungus will always grow on this if no blood flow. It can not regenerate dead skin, only exfoliate it.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I have been used a lots products didn't work. This product is really really work well. I have been using 3weeks, so far works good. The healthy nail is growing now."
"I've had athletes foot, with toenail fungus for the past 10+ years. I've used just about everything off the shelf to address this problem. This product did the trick!"
"In love with this product! While at work all I can think about is coming home to soak my feet. My feet feel absolutely amazing!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Top Choice For Direct Toenail Application.
Price:
$19.90
Overview:
All natural option that is toxic to fungus. This is similar to tea tree oil in that respect but can be more effective. You still need to exfoliate dead skin and trim thick toenails.
Pros:
All natural, relatively cost effective. 1,000s of reviews with excellent results. Very clean and quick drying, easy to apply.
Cons:
Small amount and a little more expensive than some other options. Once more has 0% chance of working if your goal is to heal a dead, detached toenail or dry skin. Are you noticing this is a trend? This is really the key!
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I have been used a lots products didn't work. This product is really really work well. I have been using 3weeks, so far works good. The healthy nail is growing now."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Top Choice For Cream For Toenails & Webspaces.
Price:
$15.49
Overview:
All natural cream option. This is a good option compared to some of the quick dry gels. This can be used on the skin surrounding your toenails.
Pros:
Relatively cost effective. All natural tea tree oil that is proven toxic to fungus. Can be used on surrounding skin as well.
Cons:
Still more expensive than other options. Can get messy all over different areas of your foot. Key is still debride and cleaning your dry dead toenails and skin. TRIM them!
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I've had athletes foot, with toenail fungus for the past 10+ years. I've used just about everything off the shelf to address this problem. This product did the trick!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Toenail Repair Products:
Great Option For Foot Soak.
Price:
$15.97
Overview:
Safe, cost effective and relaxing all at the same time! This needs to be used in a 20 minute foot soak. Works well for exfoliating loose skin/toenail as well as softening.
Pros:
Very safe, little risk, low cost and very effective if used correctly. The key is to use it as an aid to soften and exfoliate loose/dry dead skin and toenail.
Cons:
It once more has 0% chance working if you are trying to save loose and dead crusty skin. Fungus will always grow on this if no blood flow. It can not regenerate dead skin, only exfoliate it.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"In love with this product! While at work all I can think about is coming home to soak my feet. My feet feel absolutely amazing!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Recommended foot fungus products:
- It is also very important to fix your foot fungus.
- Even if you cure your toenail fungus, keep your toenails trimmed in healthy: it is possible for your foot fungus to spread back into toenails.
- So make sure you treat your foot fungus, as well as your toenail fungus.
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Fungus Combo (Foot Soak, Body Wash & Toe Ointment)
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Best Shower Body Wash
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Price:
$27.99
$19.32
$15.25
$13.45
$14.97
Overview:
This is almost everything you need for foot fungus! This has a foot soak powder, body wash for showering and toenail ointment.
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Great cost effective shower wash.
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
Great cost ($50+ separately), $29 in the bundle. Tea tree oil has proven antifungal benefits. Excellent reviews and good overall cost value.
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
The combo could be more than you need. You still need a foot bath tub.
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Not much downsides, it's a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I was a little skeptical about this product because my nails were so jacked up, but I figured I didn’t have much to lose! I’m sooo glad that I tried this product; it really is great! I’ve been using it for almost three months now and I can see a complete difference!"
"I used it everyday for about a week or so and it took 2 bottles to completely clear my athletes foot, and I mean completely. I'm really impressed. "
"I have used Amazon for YEARS and sadly have never written a review until now. That's how strongly I feel about this product! "
" The cracks are starting to heal. The funk is going away. My feet feel lighter and softer, and are beginning to be a pleasure to stand on again during those long hours at work."
"I’m a professional manicurist and I do a lot of pedicures. This is the best soaking bucket I’ve come across. It’s nice and deep which keeps the water hot longer and very easy to sanitize."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Fungus Combo (Foot Soak, Body Wash & Toe Ointment)
Price:
$27.99
Overview:
This is almost everything you need for foot fungus! This has a foot soak powder, body wash for showering and toenail ointment.
Pros:
Great cost ($50+ separately), $29 in the bundle. Tea tree oil has proven antifungal benefits. Excellent reviews and good overall cost value.
Cons:
The combo could be more than you need. You still need a foot bath tub.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I was a little skeptical about this product because my nails were so jacked up, but I figured I didn’t have much to lose! I’m sooo glad that I tried this product; it really is great! I’ve been using it for almost three months now and I can see a complete difference!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Foot Powder Option For Shoes.
Price:
$19.32
Overview:
3 pack of foot powder spray. This is great for shoes and feet, but not as practical outside the foot or shoe.
Pros:
If you sweat in your shoes, this is your best bet. This will soak up sweat and kill fungus. Very effective and excellent Amazon reviews. 3 pack online is the price of one bottle at the store.
Cons:
Powder makes a big mess. Good for shoes but it can get powder inside your shoes. Can have chemical like smell.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I used it everyday for about a week or so and it took 2 bottles to completely clear my athletes foot, and I mean completely. I'm really impressed. "
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best Shower Body Wash
Price:
$15.25
Overview:
Great cost effective shower wash.
Pros:
Over 5,000 5 star amazon reviews. Great reviews, medically proven component in tea tree oil. All natural with excellent results.
Cons:
Can be more expensive than regular soap. It may not be enough by itself without soaking or especially further toenail treatment.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I have used Amazon for YEARS and sadly have never written a review until now. That's how strongly I feel about this product! "
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best choice for Foot Bath Mix
Price:
$13.45
Overview:
Mix of epsom salts, tea tree oil for a good price.
Pros:
Epsom salts and tea tree oil have proven effect. Epsom salts make your loose skin flake off and tea tree oil is anti-fungal. Great price and near 5 star review on Amazon.
Cons:
Foot soak by itself may not be enough to fix your problem, but a component. You also need a foot tub.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
" The cracks are starting to heal. The funk is going away. My feet feel lighter and softer, and are beginning to be a pleasure to stand on again during those long hours at work."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Foot Fungus Products
Best & Most Cost Effective Foot Soak Tub.
Price:
$14.97
Overview:
This is a cost effective tub for foot soaks. You still need to also buy a foot soak powder or solution!
Pros:
Excellent choice for cost effective foot soak tub. Top notch reviews on amazon, great price.
Cons:
Not much downsides, it's a tub! But you have to get foot soak powder or antifungal solution separately.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"I’m a professional manicurist and I do a lot of pedicures. This is the best soaking bucket I’ve come across. It’s nice and deep which keeps the water hot longer and very easy to sanitize."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Shoes For Toenail Injuries:
- The key to prevent toenail ripping and lifting is to have a good supportive shoes.
- If you have a good supportive shoe, that keeps pressure off your toes in your toenails, there will be no lifting and cracking to allow bacteria and fungus to get in.
- This almost seems counter-intuitive, but when people make a switch to really good supportive shoes that fit properly, there toenail problems almost always get better over the next few months or a year.
- Your current nail is already likely destroyed, especially with joggers toe, but let the new nail growing healthy without new damage.
- Click the following link for our most recommended shoes. Try to focus on shoes with mesh and room around the big toe and also the smaller toes.
Good Luck with the Black Streaks Under the Nails!
