HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Treatment For A Brown Scar On The Toe

Posted on Wed, 15 Jun 2016

Question: Hi there, I am worried about a small brown scar in my small toe which I believe it started about a month ago - and though I am not certain I think it has grown/spread a little. The surface is flat/small (like it is all inside the skin) I have a picture of it. I did have some trauma on the nail some month ago so it might be related.

I am concerned about something serious so would be keen on your first impressions before going to see a doctor/ specialist.

Thanks

M

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I suggest a skin biopsy

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.

I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). A newly developed and possibly spreading/ enlarging pigmented/ melanocytic skin lesion on an acral site should be biopsied if you are not absolutely certain whether it was due to definite preceding trauma or not. Moreover, if trauma was long ago it is unlikely to be related to it.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (24 minutes later)

Ok thanks - what were your impressions when looking at the picture? It is still quite small right?

And can a podiatrist perform the biopsy?

Thanks
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I suggest you to visit a dermatologist

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

It is a flat lesion and since it is present for just 1 month so it quite early. A biopsy would be diagnostic. My concern is to rule out an in situ melanoma which is 100% curable by excision if it is proved so by a skin biopsy. A dermatologist would perform a biopsy.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (15 hours later)

Hi there,

I went to a consultant podiatrist today who examined the mark and performed an incision (and removed the skin layer with the mark). He said that my mark was risk free and simply caused by trauma (a blister) under the skin. So he said I had nothing to worry about and so did not recommend a biopsy.

Giving podiatrists qualifications and their knowledge of feet, am I safe to trust his judgment? Or do you think I still need to do a biopsy? And if so, can it still be done if pretty much all of the mark has been removed?

Appreciate your advice
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can trust your podiatrist

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

If the podiatrist removed all of it by incision/ paring and was absolutely sure that it is due to trauma then it is fine. If he removed it then obviously there is nothing left for a biopsy.
However, you had trauma months back and this appeared only a month ago. A bruise due to trauma would appear soon after trauma and not persist for so long. It should resolve with time and also show color change (red, blue, green, yellow and finally fade). It would not stay the same color throughout.
Moreover you noticed a possible increase in size. So I was in favor of a biopsy which would have put matters to rest.

Regards

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