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Related Concept Videos

Pigmentation01:19

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
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...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails01:05

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails

Nails are one of the important accessory structures of the skin. They are hard, protective structures that cover the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of fingers and toes. Nails are composed of specialized keratinized cells and serve various functions, including protection, sensation, and manual dexterity.
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...
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Papillary Dermis01:11

Papillary Dermis

Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types01:20

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types

Hair growth begins with the production of keratinocytes by the basal cells of the hair bulb. As new cells are deposited at the hair bulb, the hair shaft is pushed through the follicle toward the surface. Keratinization is completed as the cells are pushed to the skin surface to form the shaft of hair that is externally visible. The external hair is completely dead and composed entirely of keratin. Hair can be cut or shaven without damaging the hair structure because the cut is superficial. Most...

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Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
06:09

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells

Published on: June 7, 2019

Longitudinal melanonychias.

Nilton Di Chiacchio1, Beth S Ruben, Walter Refkalevsky Loureiro

  • 1Dermatology Clinic, Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Clinics in Dermatology
|October 2, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Melanonychia, a nail pigmentation, can stem from infections or benign causes, but may signal cancer. Diagnosis via dermatoscopy and biopsy guides treatment for nail health.

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Oncology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Melanonychia presents as black or brown nail pigmentation.
  • Causes are exogenous (infections, tar) or endogenous (melanin overproduction).
  • It can be a sign of malignancy or infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of melanonychia.
  • To differentiate between benign and malignant nail conditions.
  • To outline diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Dermatoscopy for visual examination.
  • Biopsy for tissue analysis.
  • Histopathology for definitive diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Exogenous causes include infections and external agents.
  • Endogenous causes involve melanin production in the nail bed.
  • Malignant lesions require surgical excision.
  • Infections necessitate antibiotic or antifungal treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management.
  • Treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause.
  • Malignant melanoma requires prompt excision.
  • Benign conditions may be managed with observation.