|
|
Melanonychia is very common nail diorder. Melanonychia produces a solitary dark band in the nail. This condition occurs most commonly in Blacks and Asians. When it is seen in Caucasians, there is an increased chance of it representing a malignant process. Melanonychia may reflect a mole or nevus involving the nail matrix, or origin of the nail. However, it may be caused by a melanoma, particularly in Caucasians. Melanonychia can occur in two forms - Longitudinal and Frictional . Longitudinal melanonychia is most worrisome when there is a solitary, dark, broad longitudinal band with pigment extending over the proximal nail fold. Melanonychia is characterized by the presence of a pigmented stripe, tan, brown, or black within the length of the nail bed. Melanonychia (pigmentation of nails) in childhood can be caused by drugs (antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents), infections, skin diseases and rarely subungual malig-nant melanoma. In the treatment of Melanonychia the hyperpigmentation of the skin and nails induced by chemotherapy is reversible and most commonly seen with drugs like doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and hydroxyurea.
Causes of Melanonychia
The common causes of Melanonychia include the following:
- A melanoma.
- Infections ( e.g., pseudomonas, onychomycosis).
- Skin diseases (like psoriasis).
- Melanonychia (pigmentation of nails) in childhood can be caused by drugs (antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents).
Symptoms of Melanonychia
Some symptoms related to Melanonychia are as follows:
- Thickened nails.
- Pain may occur in the nail.
- Yellowing, thickening or crumbling of the nail.
- Nails can become so long and deformed that they impair walking.
- Unusual neck bones.
- Poorly developed shoulder blades.
Treatment of Melanonychia
Here is list of the methods for treating Melanonychia:
- In the treatment of Melanonychia the hyperpigmentation of the skin and nails induced by chemotherapy is reversible and most commonly seen with drugs like doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and hydroxyurea.
- Prophylactic antifungal therapy may be required to prevent reinfection of the skin and the nails.
|
|
