brown nails; longitudinal brown lines; black nails
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Introduction
Abnormal pigment affecting the nail plate or nail bed or both.
Etiology
- pigmentation of the nail plate
- pigmentation of the nail plate & bed
- pigmentation of the nail bed
- melanocytic nevus of nail matrix
- solar lentigo
- subungual hematoma
- brown linear bands are a common finding in black or brown-skinned individuals (melanonychia)
Pathology
- increased melanin production by nail matrix melanocytes[3]
Clinical manifestations
- longitudinal brown lines may extend from tip of nail into the lunula[3]
- these are benign if < 3 mm in width
Image[3]
Diagnostic procedures
- nail biopsy if suspicious for melanoma
Management
- reassurance & observation in the absence of suspicion of melanoma
More general terms
More specific terms
Additional terms
References
- ↑ Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, Common & Serious Diseases, 3rd ed, Fitzpatrick et al, McGraw Hill, NY, 1997, pg 503
- ↑ Jump up to: 2.0 2.1 2.2 Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 17, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2015
- ↑ Jump up to: 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Brady MP Fingernail and Toenail Abnormalities: Nail the Diagnosis. Medscape March 17, 2021 https://reference.medscape.com/slideshow/fingernail-abnormalities-6002456