What causes brown fingernail lines?
Melanonychia is caused when the pigment cells, called melanocytes, deposit melanin — brown-colored pigment — into the nail. These deposits are usually grouped together. As your nail grows, it causes the stripe of brown or black to appear on your nail.
What does ridge lines in fingernails mean?
Ridges in the fingernails are usually signs of aging. Slight vertical ridges commonly develop in older adults. In some cases, ridges may be a sign of health problems like vitamin deficiencies or diabetes. Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau’s lines, may indicate a serious condition.
Is melanonychia serious?
Melanonychia is a very worrisome entity for most patients. It is characterized by brownish black discoloration of nail plate and is a common cause of nail plate pigmentation. The aetiology of melanonychia ranges from more common benign causes to less common invasive and in situ melanomas.
Does melanonychia go away?
The treatment options for melanonychia will depend on the primary cause. If the cause is benign, the individual may not need treatment. Some cases of melanonychia may fade after addressing the cause. For example, if drugs are the cause, melanonychia should fade within 6–8 weeks of stopping the treatment.
When should I worry about melanonychia?
Thin pigmented lesions in young patients can still be melanomas, and performing a biopsy is important. However, there are some features that will make you worry more for a malignant cause of melanonychia: Worry more with wider bands of longitudinal pigment (>2-3mm) is more worrisome, especially in older patients (>65).
How do you know if melanonychia is cancerous?
When performing a physical examination of the nail, the doctor will look for certain tell-tale signs of cancer:
- Involvement of more than two-thirds of the nail plate.
- Grey or black colors mixed with brown.
- Irregular brown and granular pigmentation.
- Variations in the color and thickness of the stripe.
Should I worry about melanonychia?
Can melanonychia turn into melanoma?
There are times melanonychia is so egregious that it can only be melanoma. A wide, deeply pigmented band with irregular lines and pigmented extension onto the periungual tissues is nearly pathognomonic for melanoma.
What are the ridges on my Nails?
Psoriasis is one of them. It manifests by vertical ridges accompanied by discoloration, brittleness, dehydration, fissures, and nail spots. If you have a peripheral vascular disease, you may notice longitudinal ridges on the nails due to the affectation of the blood vessels.
What do brown spots on my fingernails mean?
For example, brown spots on nails, especially if they’re pitted, could be a sign of nail psoriasis. Course of action: Get any brown pigmentation on your nail checked out by a dermatologist.
Can anemia cause vertical ridges in the nails?
Some types of anemia may influence vertical ridges in the nails, often accompanied by color changes in the nails or changes in texture. Anemia can cause vertical ridges to appear and may also make dents appear in the nail.
Why do fingernails change color and have ridges?
They often become more numerous or prominent with age, possibly due to variations in cell turnover within your nail. If your fingernails change color or you develop horizontal nail ridges across your nails, talk to your doctor. These changes could indicate an underlying health condition. Habif TP.