Related Experiment Videos
Melanonychia striata longitudinalis. A case report
Abstract:
Melanonychia strata longitudinalis is a pigmented (dark brown-tan-black) band running in the long axis of the nail. This abnormal color of the nail plate is caused by a focal increase of melanin because of increased number and/or function of normal or abnormal melanocytes in the nail matrix. Pigmented streaks in nails due to melanocytic hyperplasia are said to be so exceedingly common in black persons as to be normal and the phenomenon is benign in the majority of cases. In our white patient reported here the pigmentation is due to epithelial hyperpigmentation without melanocytic hyperplasia or evidence of malignancy, hormonal abnormality, or other adventitious influence.
Insights
Melanonychia strata longitudinalis presents as a pigmented nail band caused by melanin increase. In a white patient, this was due to epithelial hyperpigmentation, not melanocytic hyperplasia.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Nail Biology
Background:
- Melanonychia strata longitudinalis is a nail condition characterized by pigmented bands.
- It results from increased melanin production in the nail matrix, often due to melanocyte changes.
Observation:
- A case study of a white patient presenting with melanonychia strata longitudinalis.
- The pigmentation was observed as a longitudinal, dark brown-tan-black band on the nail plate.
Findings:
- The nail pigmentation in this patient was attributed to epithelial hyperpigmentation.
- Crucially, there was no evidence of melanocytic hyperplasia, malignancy, or hormonal imbalance.
Implications:
- This case highlights that epithelial hyperpigmentation can mimic melanonychia strata longitudinalis in white individuals.
- It underscores the importance of differentiating causes of nail pigmentation to rule out underlying pathology.