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I’m Seeking A Second Opinion On A Pigmented Patch On The Corner Of My Right Index Finger
Question: I’m seeking a second opinion on a pigmented patch on the corner of my right index finger.
It appeared about a year ago, not under the nail bed, but more on the skin adjacent to the nail.
It’s dark, scaly, and has not significantly changed in size or appearance since I noticed it.
I had been using Toppik hair fibers extensively around the time it appeared, applying it with that index finger, so I initially assumed it was staining.
I stopped using Toppik over 6 months ago, but the patch hasn’t faded.
A dermatologist prescribed steroid cream, which reduced the scaliness but did not affect pigmentation.
I’ve taken photos since January, and there’s no visible progression in the last 3 months, but I have no images from the earlier months to compare further.
It’s not painful, though I did feel mild tenderness when I started probing it — possibly due to anxiety and focus.
The dermatologist recommended a biopsy to rule out melanoma but said it appears to be a benign nevus and could be left alone if that’s confirmed.
I’ve looked at melanoma reference images, and this lesion doesn’t resemble what I’ve seen. Still, I’d like your professional evaluation before proceeding with the biopsy.
It appeared about a year ago, not under the nail bed, but more on the skin adjacent to the nail.
It’s dark, scaly, and has not significantly changed in size or appearance since I noticed it.
I had been using Toppik hair fibers extensively around the time it appeared, applying it with that index finger, so I initially assumed it was staining.
I stopped using Toppik over 6 months ago, but the patch hasn’t faded.
A dermatologist prescribed steroid cream, which reduced the scaliness but did not affect pigmentation.
I’ve taken photos since January, and there’s no visible progression in the last 3 months, but I have no images from the earlier months to compare further.
It’s not painful, though I did feel mild tenderness when I started probing it — possibly due to anxiety and focus.
The dermatologist recommended a biopsy to rule out melanoma but said it appears to be a benign nevus and could be left alone if that’s confirmed.
I’ve looked at melanoma reference images, and this lesion doesn’t resemble what I’ve seen. Still, I’d like your professional evaluation before proceeding with the biopsy.
Brief Answer:
Xerina
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query and photographs.
You mentioned non itchy scaly lesion which suggests it is a psoriatic plaque.
Steroid cream can give brief relief but will cause thinning of skin.
It's not appearing to be melanoma.
I suggest you to try Xerina cream.
Apply this cream daily in night for a month.
It is an exfoliating cream and should help you.
Also apply ointment clotrimazole in morning to prevent fungal infection.
This combination should be effective.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you
Xerina
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query and photographs.
You mentioned non itchy scaly lesion which suggests it is a psoriatic plaque.
Steroid cream can give brief relief but will cause thinning of skin.
It's not appearing to be melanoma.
I suggest you to try Xerina cream.
Apply this cream daily in night for a month.
It is an exfoliating cream and should help you.
Also apply ointment clotrimazole in morning to prevent fungal infection.
This combination should be effective.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T
Answered by
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