I Have Brown Vertical Lines Under My Finger Nails

Posted on Sat, 2 May 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 2 May 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have brown vertical lines under my finger nails

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (3 minutes later)

Is this Melanoma? Is this a sign of Hutchinson’s

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not looking like melanoma, go for dermoscopic examination

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to ask a doctor service
I have gone through your query and reviewed the attached photographs.
It looks like longitudinal melanonychia.
It has multiple causes like subungal cyst, racial, familial, drug induced , skin disease like lichen planus, benign tumors and rarely melanoma.
What is the duration of this line?
Is only one finger nail is involved?
According to me it is not looking like malignant melanoma.
Also I don’t think it is hutchinson’s sign.
To be absolutely sure I would recommend you to go for dermoscopic examination of the nail.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
If it is involving multiple fingers chances of it being malignant is almost negligible.
Still you can go for dermoscopic examination.
All the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (5 minutes later)

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX Sawhney,

Thank you for putting my mind to rest. I will schedule an appointment on Monday.

It is on both thumbs and my right index finger. I just noticed it today but it could have been their for several.

Kind regards,

Ruth