What is Melanonychia?

Melanonychia refers to a brown or black nail color coloration. The condition may be benign or testified to the type of cancer. Some non -law -health health conditions can cause abnormality along with some drugs. Healthcare providers usually require a complete history and physical evaluation to avoid possible contributing factors.

Coloring usually develops longitudinally and runs from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. The cuticle may or may not be included in the color. The belts or stripes associated with melanonychia may appear as the only line or completely cover the nail. The index finger, thumb and a large finger are the most common places of suffering, but can connect more than one digit. Sometimes thin, regular or irregular lines appear. Many coloring can have parallel boundaries or be irregular. The symptom of melanonychiaoms can also appear as a purple blue to brown dot or stains of dried blood under the nail. Studies indicate that 77% of individuals of African origin experienceMelanonychii. The situation may also occur in the people of Asian heritage 10% to 20% of the time. Only 1% of people with the Caucasian ancestor are experiencing this skin condition.

Fingers or toes trauma usually produces nail color and bacterial and fungal infections can also cause melanonychia. Many health conditions, including Addison's disease and psoriasis, cause nail color. Rare syndrome known as Langier-Hunziker usually causes oral hyperpigmentation and individuals who have this disorder

The side effects associated with chemotherapy, radiation and warfarin can cause melanonychia. Other medicines that could contribute to abnormal pigmentation are hydroxyurea, minocyclin and zidovudin. The color generally retreats as soon as the treatment is over or no longer required drugs.

Melanonychia can also indicate a serious type of skin cancer. Remained and untreated undiagnosed and untreated, malignIta can metastasize to bones, central nervous system and body organs. Doctors can perform a biopsy to identify possible malignant cells associated with melanoma.

Dermatologists Suspies of malignancy can get samples by shaving a thin layer of tissue. Doctors also have access to tissue by biopsy or surgery. Positive malignant diagnosis generally requires that the affected area undergo surgical removal.