Dermatologist reveals nail spots that may indicate cancer - Video
What nail sign should not be ignored (Photo: Freepik)
The health of the nails can mirror the health of the whole body. In particular, a black streak under the nails can be a sign of a serious medical condition that should not be ignored, says dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky.
What sign cannot be ignored
The dermatologist said that nail cancer often goes unnoticed and is usually misdiagnosed as bruising or dried blood.
Dark spots on the nail plate most often occur due to bruises, and bleeding as a result of injuries. Black spots under the nails cause liver disease or endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart).
A dangerous cause of spots in the form of a longitudinal dark stripe is subungual melanoma or malignant skin cancer.
According to the doctor, if there is a dark pigmented vertical stripe going down the nail, this should definitely be checked. That's because it could potentially be a very serious form of skin cancer called subungual melanoma.
What should alert
Although subungual melanoma is rare, it can become dangerous if ignored.
The dermatologist underlines that melanoma usually has a distinct shape. Some may describe it as if you drew a line on your nail with a black or brown marker.
It looks like a dark line on your nail that runs from the bottom to the top. It can start small but grow bigger, covering the entire nail and spreading to the cuticle.
However, not all dark spots on the nail are dangerous. Many people may experience benign lines on their nails called longitudinal melanonychia. It has a lighter color, is noticeable on several nails, and does not progress.
In any case, if there are any changes in the nails, it is important to see a doctor.
@dermguru Friendly reminder to LOOK at your nails! #dermguru #melanoma #skincancer #nailtok #nailsigns #skincsncerawarenessmonth #nailproblems Suspense, horror, piano and music box - takaya
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
