Our fingernails can often be an indicator of our overall health and sometimes they can alert you to a serious health problem if you know what to look out for.
That’s what Julie learned when one of her nails had a light brown stripe. She had the mark for years, but when the streak grew darker and wider, she decided to go to the doctor and get it checked out.
“Just like you have moles on your skin you can have a mole on your nail matrix which is where the nail grows from,” dermatologist Dr. Dana Stern told CBS. However, in Julie’s case, she was diagnosed with melanoma and her nail had to be removed.
According to CBS News, nail cancer is most commonly detected in thumb, big toe, and index finger nail, although any digit can be affected. Warning signs may include:
– A very dark stripe/streak
– The stripe/streak has blurred borders
– Changes in a stripe that’s been there
– A patient’s medical history
Dr. Stern advises people to be vigilant if you see something strange under or around your nail.
If you thought this information was useful, check out this video on the importance of early detection of melanoma.
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links.