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What Causes Persistent Dark Lines Under The Fingernails And White Spots On Nails?

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Posted on Thu, 9 Jun 2016
Question: I keep getting dark lines under my fingernails. They don't go away until the nail has grown out and come off with filing my nails down. Last year all my nails became full of white spots and became thick. They broke off, peeled and where just nasty. they grew out from that mess but now I am having the lines show up all the time.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
?? Splinter haemorrhages under the fingernails

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The dark lines under your fingernails could most probably be splinter haemorrhages which are small areas of bleeding capillaries under the fingernails.

I would like to ask you a few questions if you do not mind:

1. Any established cardiac abnormalities?
2. Do you have any symptoms like chills?
3. Any fever?
4. Persistent cough?
5. Weight loss?
6. Swelling in legs, abdomen, etc.
7. Shortness of breath?
8. Exhaustion?
9. Can you remember injuring the nails anytime?
10. Pale skin?
11. Night sweats?

I look forward to hearing from you in order to help you further ma'am.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (18 hours later)
Six years ago I had an ablation done for Ventricular Articulation issue. But have been fine since then.
I do not remember injuring my fingers, don't do a lot of work that may contribute to the injury.
No fever, or chills or cough, no real swelling that is not due to too much sodium intake.
Not pale at all, as for shortness of breath, not an issue I believe except for being a bit overweight and not really overly active person.
Have a few issues with pain in my left hand, don't seem to have lot of strength lately. If I turn it the wrong way, my hand hurts and the thumb is a bit swollen. Can't remember injuring it. My left ankle gives out on me when I step on it sometimes, so I don't count on it for safe traveling of steps. I will discussing this at my next appointment. The sad part is that being on medicare, I have to be so careful of what I call the doctor for, otherwise I end up paying full price because it is not a "covered" appointment. I have always felt that I am in good health but a bit worried about things happening lately, is this just getting old and I don't know any better?? The only medication I am on is 50mg of Losartan Potassium, once a day. So there you have it! Thank yo for your thoughts on me!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Here are my reasons and suggestions

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

First of all, I do not consider you to be old, there are many people who experience so many things and yet seek medical attention even at the age of 85-90 years because they do not consider it to be age-related.

But, the fact is that things do change as we get older, and what we do during our younger days does reflect on our health as time passes by.

I would recommend a doctors consultation, for 3 things ma'am:

1. A cardiac consultation as you may have to get your cardiac health assessed once again (and once every 6 months)

2. To look for other signs of an injury

3. Three points under this:

A. Splinter haemorrhages
B. Left ankle gives out on you a few times
C. Thumb swollen, with no memory of injury

The above 3 points do raise a suspicion for possible vascular conditions which can result in reduced sensation in a few places, making it difficult to feel mild injuries. I am not sure this is the case, but I prefer ruling it out ma'am, considering the facts you have stated, I hope you understand.

So in conclusion, although your insurance can be tricky, all I can hope for is your well-being primarily, and only secondarily hope you don't get charged for it, but I would recommend a doctors visit for all the above stated reasons.

I hope I have explained things in a manner best understood by you. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (19 hours later)
Thank you for your help with my questions. I called my doctors office with my concerns and the doctor ordered blood test and scheduled me to come into the office next week. Again thank you for explaining things so clearly. thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Wising you a rapid recovery ma'am

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

It was my pleasure entirely, I wish you a speedy and complete recovery.

Best wishes.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

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

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Dark Lines Under The Fingernails And White Spots On Nails?

Brief Answer: ?? Splinter haemorrhages under the fingernails Detailed Answer: Hello ma'am and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The dark lines under your fingernails could most probably be splinter haemorrhages which are small areas of bleeding capillaries under the fingernails. I would like to ask you a few questions if you do not mind: 1. Any established cardiac abnormalities? 2. Do you have any symptoms like chills? 3. Any fever? 4. Persistent cough? 5. Weight loss? 6. Swelling in legs, abdomen, etc. 7. Shortness of breath? 8. Exhaustion? 9. Can you remember injuring the nails anytime? 10. Pale skin? 11. Night sweats? I look forward to hearing from you in order to help you further ma'am. Best wishes.