Why is there a small black dot on my nail?

Why is there a small black dot on my nail?

Red or black spots may be splinter hemorrhages associated with endocarditis. The spots may be subungual hematomas from trauma or a fingernail injury. It can also be a skin cancer like melanoma or squamous cell cancer. If you aren’t feeling well, or if it doesn’t go away, call your doctor.

Why does my fingernail have a brown spot?

Melanonychia is caused when the pigment cells, called melanocytes, deposit melanin into the nail. Melanin is a brown colored pigment. These deposits are usually grouped together. As your nail grows, it causes the stripe of brown or black to appear on your nail.

What do dark half moons on fingernails mean?

Most often, this is caused by an improper manicure or another kind of trauma to the fingernail. The moons may stay this way until the nail grows out and the tissue fully heals.

What is Subungual melanoma?

Subungual melanoma presents as brown-black discolorations of the nail bed. It can present as either a streak of pigment or irregular pigmentation. The discoloration can progress to thickening, splitting, or destruction of the nail with pain and inflammation.

How do I know if I have nail melanoma?

Diagnosing subungual melanoma

  1. brown or black bands of color that increase in size over time.
  2. change in skin pigment (darkening around the affected nail)
  3. splitting nail or bleeding nail.
  4. drainage (pus) and pain.
  5. delayed healing of nail lesions or trauma.
  6. separation of the nail from the nail bed.

Why do I have black lines under my fingernails?

Black spots on nails line or under the fingernails is often not a cause for alarm. Tiny black lines or dots under nail can simply be as a result of an injury, a nail infection or different underlying medical condition.

What kind of cancer is represented by black lines in the fingernails?

But sometimes it means cancer. What kind of cancer is represented by black lines in the fingernails? Melanoma; specifically, a type called longitudinal melanonychia. This occurs when there is an overproduction of melanocytes, which are mature melanin-forming cells, in the area of the nail.

Is it normal to have black spots on your nails?

Black spots in nail are not uncommon. You should be alarmed if your nails develop line or dots. Spots in fingernail or toenail can be a sign of an injury, an infection or an underlying medical condition. In stop cases, these spots are considered a cosmetic issue and not a medical condition.

Why do I have little dots on my fingernails?

You should be alarmed if your nails develop line or dots. Spots in fingernail or toenail can be a sign of an injury, an infection or an underlying medical condition. In stop cases, these spots are considered a cosmetic issue and not a medical condition.