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What Causes A Longitudinal Pigmented Band In The Nail?

Posted on Thu, 6 Jul 2017

Question: i have a tiny (slightly over a mm) thin black line that starts at the end of nail going toward the nail bed. Is this something I should be concerned about? I did have a melanoma on my back 6 years ago.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly upload an image

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr. kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
I request you to kindly upload an image in "reports section" so that I am able to guide you better.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Having trouble uploading the picture. It is a very small, thin black line, just barely over a mm long and less than 1/4 of mm wide. It starts at the nail and barely makes it into the nail bed.

I showed it to my ND (natropath dr.), and she said it almost definitely is a splinter hemorage. Is that what it sounds like?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Does not seem like a melanoma

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

It certainly does not seem like a melanoma. A melanoma usually presents as a darkly pigmented irregular thick band which extends the entire length of nail and also the proximal nail fold. The lesion that you have is very likely something else.

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. Vaishalee Punj