Dark stripes or streaks under the nails should never be ignored, as they can sometimes indicate subungual melanoma, a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer. Similarly, splinter hemorrhages may point to cardiovascular or autoimmune disorders.
When to See a Doctor
While many cases of striped nails are benign, certain signs warrant medical attention:
Dark or black stripes that appear suddenly.
Horizontal ridges accompanied by fatigue, weight loss, or other systemic symptoms.
Persistent discoloration or deformities that do not improve over time.
Pain, swelling, or infection around the nail bed.
