A dermatologist explains why you should see a doctor if this mark appears on your nails

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A person touching hands (GettyImages)

Social networks have become a showcase for content, including health advice, in a society that increasingly cares more about itself and is more concerned about both physical and mental well-being. Therefore, the advice shared by doctorsdermatologists and dentists are among the most successful on networks like TikTok.

On this occasion, Dr. Leire Barrutia, a dermatologist, wanted to alert her followers about some strange spots that can appear on the nails naturally and that can have different meanings. All of them must be qualified by specialists, so she always recommends going to a doctor as soon as they are detected.

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melanonychia longitudinal (Rytis Bernotas/ShutterStock)

It is a brown band that runs along the nail. “It is called longitudinal melanonychia and it can have multiple causes, among them we must always rule out that it is a tumor such as melanoma. You should always consult, especially if it appears as something new that was not previously present in adults and on a single nail,” explains the doctor.

Although it is often benign, in certain cases it can be an indication of more serious medical conditions. Longitudinal melanonychia derives from the activation of melanocytes, the cells responsible for the production of melanin, a pigment that gives color to the skin, hair and, in this case, nails. The activation of these melanocytes can be stimulated by various causes, including hereditary, traumatic or even some diseases.

It can often be observed in people with darker skin, being a completely normal phenomenon in these cases. However, the sudden appearance of a stain, especially if it is unique and on a single nail, deserves medical attention. The diagnosis of longitudinal melanonychia is clinical, that is, it is made by observing the characteristics of the spot, its evolution and, in some cases, a nail biopsy may be required. This biopsy would rule out the presence of nail melanoma, a type of skin cancer that, although rare, can manifest in this way.

In the case of melanoma, a type of skin cancer that originates in melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, rapid intervention is necessary. Nail melanoma is a rare form of melanoma that affects the fingernails or toenails. And although it can be confused with benign lesions, such as subungual hematomas or fungal infections, early detection is necessary to provide the corresponding treatment and avoid metastasis.

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Once this cancer has been ruled out, specific treatment for longitudinal melanonychia may not be necessary, as it will be a simple spot that needs to be observed regularly. The health of the nails is usually seen as a reflection of general health and a detailed evaluation is often necessary to rule out possible pathologies.