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Melanonychia: What It Is and What It Means

What is Melanonychia?

Melanonychia is a condition that causes the nails to turn brown or black. It can affect fingernails or toenails, and it can appear in one or more nails. Melanonychia is usually caused by an increase in pigment cells in the nail bed, which can be benign or malignant.

Symptoms of Melanonychia

The main symptom of melanonychia is a brown or black discoloration of the nails. The discoloration can be uniform or patchy, and it may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• Thickening of the nails
• Brittle nails
• Ridging of the nails
• Pain or tenderness in the nails

Causes of Melanonychia

The most common cause of melanonychia is an increase in pigment cells in the nail bed. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Trauma to the nail
• Infection
• Certain medications
• Addison's disease
• Melanoma

Treatment for Melanonychia

The treatment for melanonychia depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is benign, no treatment may be necessary. However, if the cause is malignant, treatment will be necessary to remove the cancerous tissue.

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