Melanoma Under Toenail

Do You Have A Melanoma Toenail?

A melanoma under toenail is often more common in Asians, and people with a darker skin color.

This does not mean fair skinned people are immune to this type of nail problem.

Melanomas can develop anywhere on your body, usually places on the body where you have had exposure to the sun.

A melanoma under a nail is particularly more dangerous because of its location, and can easily be missed or mistaken for a bruise.

Usually melanomas under the nail are black, yellow or brown in color and flat. In some rare cases they can be clear in color and much harder to detect, this is a non pigmented type and can look like a nail infection.

Sometimes it can look like a little black streak under the nail and hardly noticeable. The line will run the length of the nail, not across the nail.

If you notice a black streak in your toenail and it seems to be getting bigger, and you know you have not damaged your toe in any way, now is the time to visit a dermatologist as it could be the start of a melanoma.

You may even think it is a mole, in this case you will need to watch it for a few days or weeks to make sure it is not growing.

A melanomia is mostly found in the big toenail, although it can occur in other nails and fingernails.

Many people of dark skin may notice nail streaks that are completely harmless. A nail streak that is recent, getting larger and not from trauma, such as hitting your toe on something must be checked out.

In most cases this type of melanoma toenail is curable if caught in the early stages. It is a simple procedure done under a local anesthesia and in a lot of cases is only for about an hour.

Since this type of nail abnormality is found under the nail, partial or total removal of the toenail will be performed.


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