Black dots on nails and feet: causes of appearance, methods of control and prevention

The condition of nails can tell a lot about their owner. For example, when a woman is well-groomed, they attract attention, indicating that she takes care of herself. But in some cases, a change in their condition may indicate a malfunction of the body.

For example, black dots that appear on the toenails can indicate both mechanical damage to the plates and the presence of diseases in the body.

In addition to the fact that they perform an aesthetic function, nails are a kind of “indicator” of health. Accordingly, when changing their appearance, you should pay attention to whether there are any changes in health.

Causes not related to diseases of the body

1. The most common “provocateur” for the appearance of a black dot or spot under the toenail is injury. As a result, blood can accumulate under the plate, as a result of which bluish-black or black spots or stripes appear. As a rule, a person knows that there was a blow or other mechanical damage, which caused the stain to form.
2. There are people who develop dots and spots when exposed to ultraviolet rays. They have increased sensitivity to the latter. Under their influence, the secretion of melanin increases, as a result of which the color of the plate changes. It is for this reason that some people, when the warm season approaches, develop moles, “freckles” and dots that disappear over time. These phenomena are usually not a cause for concern because they are seasonal.
3. Uncomfortable shoes, if they do not match the size of the feet or are tight in style, can contribute to impaired blood flow, which causes darkening under the plates.

Getting rid of stains on the nail plates in all these cases is quite simple. In case of injury, after some time they will go away on their own when the swelling subsides and the plate itself grows back.

If the cause of their appearance is uncomfortable shoes, the solution is obvious - change them. In addition, you should massage your feet using special creams, ointments, oils - all these manipulations will improve blood flow.

"Safe" problem

There is no need to worry if dark purple, black spots appear after mechanical impact - impact, strong compression, or a splinter getting under the plate. In this case, caked blood accumulates under the nail, which, in addition to the listed shades, may have a brown color.

The defect in the form of black spots will disappear as the stratum corneum grows and there are no additional requirements for treatment, but there are a number of recommendations:

1. During growth - about one month - stop using varnishes and other decorative products so that changes can be monitored.
2. Try not to squeeze the damaged part of the plate - this can lead to the opening of the wound and the reappearance of blood.
3. In cases where the fingernail bothers you for a long time, you should consult a specialist.

It is also worth visiting a doctor’s office when the wound under the nail does not heal due to a splinter found under the nail. In this case, there is a possibility that a piece of a foreign object remains in the wound. This is fraught with the development of inflammation. In severe cases, it is treated only by removing the plate.

Causes associated with diseases of the body

Such “provocateurs”, due to which dots appear on the nails, are somewhat less common.

Spots and dots may indicate the following ailments:

• Liver diseases. Other symptoms will help determine whether they are provocateurs for changes in the condition of the nails. They usually manifest themselves in disruption of the digestive system. The disease is caused by a dysfunction of this organ, due to which it cannot cope with the function of processing and distributing substances entering the body;
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system can also cause dots and spots to appear under the nail;
• Diseases of the kidneys, adrenal glands, disruption of the endocrine system;
• Pigment abnormalities. With this disease, the spots have a longitudinal shape, and the phenomenon itself requires contacting a doctor, since in some cases it can be treated through surgery;
• Glomus neoplasm. This is a fairly serious tumor that can form on the nail plate of the foot. It looks like a blue-black bruise. As a rule, this disease is treated through surgery. If you see such manifestations, you should consult a doctor if you know for sure that they are not a consequence of injury;
• Melanoma. This is a malignant neoplasm that must also be treated surgically. The formation looks like black growths on a plate, similar in appearance to warts. As the disease progresses, these growths lead to cracking. Remember that early contact with a specialist will allow you to heal faster and more effectively. A sharp increase in the number of spots under the plates and on other parts of the body may indicate the presence and spread of metastases.

Psoriasis may also be the cause. Often the “provocateur” is a fungus. In this case, you will see lesions on the finger itself - its soft tissues that surround the nail plate. The disease usually occurs due to decreased immunity. As the disease progresses, not only the color and structure of the plate changes, but also the color and structure of the soft tissues of the finger.

As can be seen from the list of diseases that spots and dots on the nail can indicate, these manifestations may not be harmless at all.

However, in 95% of cases, this condition of the plates is not associated with diseases of the body. As a rule, the cause of the phenomenon is improper nail care, injuries, body characteristics, uncomfortable shoes, etc. But this is not a reason to lose sight of it, especially if you cannot independently determine the reason why black dots appeared on the nail of a large or other toes.

Forewarned is forearmed

And although self-medication is good, since only you and no one else takes care of yourself, it is best if you are examined by a doctor, since in 90% of cases the doctor is right, and all the medications prescribed by him are 95% suitable for patients. Also, if you have cracking skin in the nail area, the condition of your hands themselves is not very good and stable, there are stains on your nails, then you may simply not be very good about yourself and your hygiene, thinking that washing your hands or smearing them with cream – useless and not that important.

Remember that daily hand care will give you a reason to rejoice, feel beautiful and well-groomed. Taking care of yourself and prohibiting bad habits are two of the most important conditions-factors that stand at the forefront of everything else to make your nails look aesthetically pleasing and perfect.

Here's what you should follow to take proper care of your nails and hands:

• always wear gloves when you think about cleaning the house, when you wash dishes and come into contact with chemicals at this time;
• if you love swimming pools and saunas, but always carry your own personal towel and slippers with you, this is very important, and also, after you come home, wash again for prevention;
• if you visit a public toilet in parks or shopping and entertainment centers, cinemas or museums and other places, then always wash your hands there after relieving yourself, and then soak your hands with an antiseptic after you leave the room;
• In winter, hands should always be in warm gloves or mittens, but in summer they should be hidden from strong sun rays. In the cold, lubricate your hands and nails with a rich moisturizer, in the summer - with sunscreen spray;
• As soon as black spots appear on your nails, immediately go to a specialist so that he can make it clear exactly what is happening to you and what problem is in your body.

Just don’t become an overly suspicious person. If spots appear, then you should not immediately think that you have cancer and panic without confirming these facts. All of the above is just an assumption that still needs to be proven by special inspection and analysis. Black spots and their bright or faint shade do not mean that the disease is progressing. This will just be another food for thought that you should still visit doctors more often than you do.

A simple reminder about identifying a problem on your nails:

• severe bruise, injury - blue;
• liver problem and its diseases – black;
• acne, skin rash, skin problem – yellow;
• lack of vitamins, nutritional deficiencies, vitamin deficiency - dark multi-colored yellow and blue;
• stomach and kidney problems – white.

Black spots on nails are not the most pleasant moment that can happen to a person. But in order not to procrastinate and injure yourself in the future, it is best to take care of yourself and always adhere to certain hygiene standards. Be careful and careful with your nails!

Prevention

Precautionary measures depend on the possible “provocateurs” of the phenomenon. Accordingly, the first priority is to take care of your own health.

If we talk about reasons not related to it, preventive measures should be as follows:

1. To avoid the appearance of black spots on the toenails, you should eat right. One of the reasons for this condition is a lack of vitamins and minerals, in particular calcium. In this regard, for its treatment and prevention, it is necessary to ensure that your diet is rich in these substances;
2. It is necessary to wear comfortable shoes that will not interfere with blood flow;
3. Getting enough sleep can help prevent spots on your big toenail and other toes. Adequate rest is necessary for the body to function properly. It is this that is a preventive measure against the development of various diseases, including those that may appear as spots;
4. Massage using special products (creams, ointments, etc.) is also necessary. This is necessary to normalize blood flow, because stains on the nails can be caused by its disruption.

Why do spots, dots or other defects appear on the nail plates of this color?

In the list of factors that provoke the appearance of dark spots on the nail plate, you can see:

• mechanical, chemical effects;
• infection;
• the presence of serious abnormalities in the body;
• psychological aspect;
• neglect of personal hygiene rules.

If the cause is illness

Spot blackening that affects the nail plate often signals a malfunction in the body. You can determine which organ or system is suffering from the pathological process by the appearance of the spot:

• Brown circles are a manifestation of kidney disease.
• Multiple coal-black dots located in groups indicate problems in the liver.
• Bluish spots are provoked by diseases of the heart and blood vessels, impaired blood circulation in the extremities.
• A defect in the form of stripes is evidence of the incidence of endocarditis (associated symptoms - chills, increased sweating, swelling of the lower extremities). If the stripes are brown in color and there is an itchy rash on the body, the problem is caused by lichen planus.

The color of the nail also undergoes changes if a person suffers from pathologies:

• brain;
• CNS;
• lymph nodes;
• endocrine and immune systems.

The plate acquires a light brown tint when jaundice occurs. Nail brittleness and partial darkening are a symptom of a lack of folic acid in the body. Psoriasis leads to compaction, delamination and complete separation of the plate.

Important. An alarming signal is the appearance of a defect in the form of cracking of the plate and the presence of blue spots on it simultaneously with neoplasms on the body (moles, papillomas). You should urgently see an oncologist. There is a possibility that a glomus tumor will be diagnosed and surgery will be required.

Infections

Infection, in particular fungal infection, leads to the appearance of blackened areas of skin under the nail. Fungi penetrate under the plate and begin to actively multiply there.

It is not difficult to distinguish a bruise from an infection. It goes away in a few days. Traces of fungal infection are observed for several months. They tend to increase in size, changing their shape.

A nail affected by fungus is determined by a number of additional signs:

• roughness of the face plate;
• the presence of indentations on it (differing in increased sensitivity when touched);
• inflammation of the nail bed and lateral folds.

First, a fungal infection manifests itself as a change in the color of the nail (it turns yellow). Over time, dark circles form on it.

If the nail plate turns brown, it is a sign of severe fungal infection. We are talking about onychomycosis.

Bacterial infection is indicated by a change in the color of the plate. It becomes green with a brownish tint.

Hand or foot injuries

including minor ones

, often lead to darkening under the nail A bruised finger leads to damage to the capillaries under the platinum. The defect is also provoked by contact with household chemicals. The use of detergents and cleaners, fertilizers, and pesticides requires compliance with safety measures. To avoid problems, it is advisable to use protective gloves.

Uncomfortable shoes

• The appearance of darkening on the nails of the lower extremities is often caused by the need to walk or stand a lot, or wearing uncomfortable shoes.
• Prolonged compression of the upper part of the finger provokes hemorrhage. A black spot forms under the nail plate. It will go away on its own within a few weeks. You will need to change your shoes to more comfortable ones.
• Constantly wearing tight boots or shoes threatens not only a cosmetic defect, but also fungal infection of the nails, deformation of the fingers, and arthritis.

Pregnancy

The appearance of spots on the nails of pregnant women can be explained by hormonal changes in the body and disturbances in metabolic processes. There is no reason to worry. What is happening is not a deviation from the norm.

Spots on the feet

Such symptoms also often appear, but they usually indicate not only a lack of some elements in the body, but also another ailment - warts.

As a rule, they occur in those areas of the foot that experience the greatest stress.

Usually a blackhead or several of them does not pose any particular health hazard, although it does cause discomfort. They can be painful, and in this case, the help of a doctor is necessary.

As a rule, the cause of the disease is the human papillomavirus, due to which the infection develops in the upper layers of the dermis on the foot. Because of this virus, the disease can develop only on the leg, and similar manifestations can be observed in other parts of the body, but they are caused by other viruses and infections.

You can become infected with papilloma in warm places with high humidity (shower room in a gym, swimming pool, etc.). People with weak immune systems are most susceptible to it. It is worth noting that this virus is not always transmitted.

An ancient enemy

Fungus is one of the most common causes of black spots. This happens due to the penetration of fungal spores into the structure of the plate, which is why a focus is formed there, which begins to grow. At the same time, the list of symptoms increases significantly: itching, burning, peeling and the appearance of spots of a different color, even green.

If you find such black defects on your fingernails, you should immediately contact a specialist and do not try to cope with the disease yourself. The more time passes from the moment of infection to treatment, the more difficult it will be to cope with the disease.

Treatment methods

There are different therapeutic regimens to treat black spots on the toes. They are selected taking into account the cause of the disease.

Injury

If there has been trauma, complete removal of the plate is indicated. A hematoma can cause fluid to accumulate under the nail. It often causes purulent inflammation. A puncture or resection will help get rid of it. For treatment, you need to contact a traumatologist.

Sometimes timely first aid can prevent the occurrence of unwanted complications. If you wash your foot well immediately after an injury, dry it, and apply a cold compress to the nail, you may be able to avoid bruising. To reduce inflammation, it is useful to lubricate the sore spot with Heparin ointment in the first three days; it is important to bandage the injured nail and try not to touch it. To eliminate additional stress, experts recommend changing shoes to looser ones, in which the sore leg will feel more comfortable.

Even if the injury has caused the plate to move, you should not try to tear it off yourself. A product called Nogtivit will help speed up the process of its rejection. It is sold in pharmacies in two forms: as a patch and an emulsion. The first one is easier to use. Using the drug allows you to easily remove an injured nail at home.

Note! If a plate injury causes severe inflammation and severe pain that constantly intensifies, you cannot self-medicate. It will provoke a deterioration in overall health and lead to the development of dangerous complications.

Fungus

Detection of a fungal nature requires the prescription of systemic and local antimycotic agents. Diflucan, Mycomax, Irunin, and Lamisil are prescribed for oral administration. The choice of drug is made on the basis of deciphering laboratory tests that allow identifying the causative agent of the infection. To treat nails, use Ciclopirox varnish, Exoderil cream or solution.

The therapy is long-term: local treatment is carried out until the new nail grows completely. Recovery directly depends on how strictly the patient adheres to the proposed recommendations.

Diseases of internal organs

If damage to the nail plates occurs as a result of an internal disease, you need to visit your doctor and, together with him, draw up a treatment plan for the nail damage. Without eliminating the causes of the described cosmetic defect, any local therapy will be ineffective.

Dyes

Nails that have darkened after contact with coloring compounds can be whitened using folk remedies. Best suited for these purposes:

1. Regular baking soda. Using powder and water, prepare a creamy mixture, apply it to washed nails and wait until completely dry. Afterwards, rinse and lubricate the plate with any vegetable oil.
2. Hydrogen peroxide. Mix peroxide and glycerin in proportions 1:5, apply to the darkened nail and cover with a cotton swab. After ten minutes, rinse and lubricate with any nourishing cream.

It may be necessary to carry out several whitening procedures to achieve the desired result.

How to remove black stripes from nails

We looked at the reasons for the appearance of grooves, so it’s worth figuring out how to get rid of them. Not only official treatment methods help, but also folk beauty recipes. In case of mechanical damage and lack of vitamins, it is not difficult to cure the nail plates. You need to take vitamin complexes and do cosmetic procedures. When the cause lies in a disease, it is necessary to begin treatment under the supervision of a doctor. After recovery, the black grooves will disappear on their own.

When streaks appear, then cracks and itching, your nails are infected with fungus. It is necessary to use antifungal drugs. Take plant extracts to fill your body with beneficial substances.

Let's look at ways to eliminate black bars. After injury to the nail plate, a black mark appears. For quick elimination, take baths with salt and lemon juice. Add sea salt and a spoonful of lemon juice to the water and dip your hands into the solution. The procedure lasts 30-40 minutes.

Try rubbing olive or orange oil into the plate to get rid of the streak. A solution of potassium permanganate helps eliminate the symptom. It should be used for a bath. Home treatments can help you remove blackheads quickly and safely.

Take vitamins to fill your body with useful components. Eat more fruits and vegetables that contain fatty acids. Don't forget to drink water throughout the day. Don't overeat junk food. Such lifestyle changes will have a positive effect on the immune system. Not only defects on the nails will disappear, but also other problems with appearance.

If black spots appear due to chemical products, stop using them. Replace polish and remover. Buy only high-quality products to avoid health problems. Never save on beauty and health, because cheap products consist of harmful components. After reading the article to the end, you will learn how to deal with dark spots at home.