Hi
I am a healthy 29 year old. I recently saw a line on my finger and I googled it and it came up with a few scary potential reasons. I saw my GP he wasn't at all worried and suspected it was dietry related. I am here for a second opinion. I am not overly worried just obviously don't want to find out in 6 months time that it was something that could of been easier to fix if it was worked on earlier :)
I have provided a few images in the li
2014-12-12 02:56:30
Hello Thanks for posting your query. I can understand your concern for the longitudinal brown stripe on the nail. I have checked the photographs and it looks like melanonychia striata. It most often occurs because of increased production of melanin by melanocytes in the nail matrix. Most people present with a history of asymptomatic hyperpigmentation of the nail plate. The other harmless possibility which I can think of is melanotic macule of the nail unit. The causes of melanonychia striata are many and most of them are non serious which include physiologic longitudinal melanonychia systemic disorders trauma inflammatory disorders fungal infections drugs and benign melanocytic hyperplasias. However one of the concerning causes of this disorder is subungual melanoma. I can understand your concern but to completely rule it out an examination by a dermatoscope is needed. The features that most commonly occur with melanoma include a brown background hue the presence of irregular longitudinal lines and the presence of micro-Hutchinson sign which has been described as pigmentation of the cuticle that is only appreciable with use of a dermatoscope. Moreover if infectious etiology is suspected then a nail plate clipping can be sent for histologic analysis and appropriate cultures. For the same I would suggest to get it examined from a dermatologist. Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon. Wishing you good health.
2014-12-12 02:57:59
