How to treat black lines in the middle of nails

There are two reasons for the black line in the middle of the nail: non-pathological and pathological. Non-pathological reasons include the nail being hit, squeezed and other trauma, which leads to local congestion and then the formation of black lines. Black lines will also appear if the nail lacks nutrients. Frequent overtime, staying up late, and excessive fatigue will also cause black lines. Pathological reasons mainly include two situations: nail matrix nevus and liver disease.

In addition to understanding the patient's symptoms, TCM also needs to observe physical signs, such as hair, skin and nails. Abnormalities in these seemingly inconspicuous parts may indicate that a person has a disease. For example, normal nails are generally flat and smooth, and the color is light pink. If there are black lines on the nails, it is mostly abnormal. What should I do if there is a black line in the middle of the nail?

1. What to do if there is a black line in the middle of a non-pathological nail

1. Caused by trauma

When the nails are squeezed and collided by external forces, the nails may appear to have vertical black lines due to local congestion, but the congestion will be absorbed and disappear after a period of time. If it persists, you can choose to use a sterilized fine needle to poke a small hole at the root of the nail to drain the congestion in the nail.

2. Lack of nutrition

Nail growth requires a variety of nutrients, including protein, vitamins A and C, calcium, etc., and lack of nutrition can also cause black lines on nails. Therefore, you should eat more eggs, chicken, beef, and various fruits and vegetables to ensure a balanced nutritional intake.

3. Excessive fatigue

If the black lines on your nails appear after working overtime or staying up late, it may be due to excessive fatigue. It is recommended to put down some work and get enough rest, so that the black lines will gradually disappear.

2. What to do if there is a black line in the middle of the pathological nail

1. Nail matrix nevus

Pathological black lines on the nails are mostly manifestations of nail matrix nevus. Once bleeding of the nails or diffusion and penetration of the black lines are found, timely surgical treatment is required, otherwise it may develop into melanoma. Remember not to remove the black lines on the nails through drug decay, freezing, or laser for the sake of beauty, otherwise it will cause local melanocyte cancer.

2. Liver disease

After excluding the possibility of nail matrix nevus, if black lines often appear on the nails, you need to consider whether you have liver disease. Because nails can reflect a person's liver and heart problems, and black lines on the nails often indicate liver problems. It is recommended to go to the hospital for liver and kidney function tests in time to confirm the diagnosis and receive targeted treatment.