What causes blue and black lines on the toenail?

Question

Hi doctor,

I did treadmill exercises and played tennis for two hours three weeks ago. And after that, I noticed blue and black lines on the fourth toe of my left foot. Can you tell me what this is? Is it melanoma? I am worried and anxious. Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I need to see a clear picture of your lesion to make a diagnosis. Kindly send a clear picture. Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I saw the pictures (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity). You have removed almost all of the nail plate. So, take great care of the open nail bed, do not get it infected in any way. The nail images before removal show a horizontal band, which is free of any clinical sign of melanoma. Kindly let the nail plate grow back and get back to me after six months for re-evaluation. Thanks and regards.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I will answer all your questions as follows. Clinically, when we see any discoloration in the nail plate, we look for asymmetrical shapes, border irregularities, and color variations. If any of them is present, we step into diascopic and dermoscopic examination.

I have looked closely at your case, and there is no such abnormality in the shape, color, or border. There was a clear-cut horizontal band that was homogeneous in color. So, in my opinion, it was trauma to the nail, as there is a very tight space below the nail plate, so blood cannot diffuse into the surrounding area. It remains in a very typical and regular shape.

I hope this helps.

Take care.