Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Roller Microneedle Combined with Tranexamic Acid Solution in Treating Melasma
Published on: January 19, 2024
Dealing with melanonychia
Antonella Tosti1, Bianca Maria Piraccini, Débora Cadore de Farias
1Department of Dermatology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. antonella.tosti@unibo.it
Abstract:
Melanonychia describes a brown or black pigmentation of the nail plate caused by the presence of melanin. In this article, we review possible causes of melanonychia and discuss the main problems of management of patients with this condition. The goal in the management of melanonychia is early diagnosis of melanoma of the nail matrix and bed. Melanoma of the nail bed is also known as subungual melanoma. We discuss clinical, dermoscopic features that may help the clinician in selecting lesions that should have excisional biopsy and evaluate different options for the excision. Addressing melanonychia is still a difficult task, and the correct management of pigmented bands in children is far from established. Dermoscopy is possibly a useful tool but the real benefit of this technique, screening lesions to determine which ones need to be removed, remains to be proven.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails
The main components of a nail include the following.
Nail Plate: The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertips or toes. It is a hard, translucent...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...

