Hello, I Have Noticed From Last 2-3 Year That My

Posted on Thu, 8 Nov 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 8 Nov 2018 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,

I have noticed from last 2-3 year that my nails are having lines and are uneven. Even in the thumb a black line has developed in last 2 months. Can you let me know what can be the reason for vertical lines in nails and even a black line in the thumb.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding your nail complaints

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Longitudinal line of pigmentation (Linear Melanonychia) in your nail is quite a normal thing. It is a thin, uniformly coloured, regular and well defined band. These are all features of its benign nature. Vertical lines in nails is a feature of thinning of the nail plate which can be due to nutritional deficiency. I suggest you to take an oral Biotin supplement e.g Tab. Revilus Or Tab. Proanagen once daily for a few months.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (11 hours later)

Thanks Doctor. I will start taking biotin however at one place i read that a black line or lines on the nails can indicate the presence of melanoma which is a sign of skin cancer so i thought to cross check on HealthcareMagic.

Do i need to see any doctor or it's just because of lack of nutrients.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (28 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not melanoma

Detailed Answer:
hi.

A thin, uniformly coloured band with regular borders is benign. A melanoma usually presents with a thick pigmented band with irregular borders and variegated colours and extension on to nail fold. So yours is not a melanoma.

take care
Let me know if you need any more assistance

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy