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Summary
Trauma from footwear can cause longitudinal melanonychia on toes, a condition distinct from malignant melanoma. Proper identification of this nail pigmentation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Podiatry
- Nail Diseases
Background:
- Longitudinal melanonychia can be a sign of subungual melanoma.
- Trauma is a common cause of nail changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a new entity: longitudinal melanonychia of the toes caused by footwear trauma.
- To differentiate this condition from subungual melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Clinical study of 12 patients presenting with toe nail pigmentation.
- Histological examination of nail matrix and surrounding tissues.
Main Results:
- Identified a new entity of toe nail pigmentation linked to repeated footwear trauma.
- Histology showed matrix hyperplasia, melanin in dermis and basal cell layer, and nail plate pigmentation.
- This condition mimics melanoma but is benign.
Conclusions:
- Longitudinal melanonychia of the toes due to footwear trauma is a distinct clinical entity.
- Recognizing this benign condition is vital to avoid misdiagnosis of malignant melanoma.