I have a faint line on my finger. What is it?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a faint line on my finger from past ten days. I am attaching a picture of the same. What is it?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your concern and examined your picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

There is nothing to worry, it is a single nail melanonychia. Nothing actively needs to be done.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The causes of longitudinal melanonychia are many, it can be racial, inflammatory nail disorder like lichen planus, drugs like Zidovudine (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor), Addison's disease, trauma, etc. A single band may represent nail matrix nevus. But in your case, it may be traumatic or inflammatory nail disease, so nothing seems to be worrying.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, you should check for any sudden change in color, size, or any abnormal growth. If it is due to any inflammatory or traumatic causes, it will resolve in a few months.

Thanks and regards.