What Causes Black Longitudinal Line On The Nail Bed?

Posted on Wed, 28 Sep 2016

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

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 Answered on

Sat, 22 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : my 11 year old grand son has a second toe on his left foot that has a black line to the right of the toe under the nail....just this odd black line...no pain ,no swelling.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload an image, it will help me guide you better

Detailed Answer:
Hi....I understand your concern. But....Skin conditions and conditions involving appendages of the skin like nail and hair, are best diagnosed only after seeing directly. I suggest you to upload photographs of the same on this website, so that I can guide you scientifically.

Hope my answer was helpful for you. I am happy to help any time. Further clarifications and consultations on Health care magic are welcome.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (23 hours later)

how do i send you a picture????

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You upload on this website or email the website administrator

Detailed Answer:
Hi.... you can upload the image on this website or you can E-mail the image to the website administrators and they will redirect it back to me. I will see the image and get back to you.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (2 hours later)

Hi, I have provided some attachments. Please review them.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I do not see anything abnormal - no biopsy is needed

Detailed Answer:
Hi...I have just seen the image. The nail of the 2nd toe has indeed the mildly darkish line under the nail.

This is just a longitudinal line on the nail bed.

As far as I see, keeping in mind that kid is in excellent health condition as you have mentioned, I consider this as a physiological variant and nothing need to be done now. No need for biopsy.

The doctor who has suggested removal and biopsy might have suspected two things -

1. Sub ungual Melanoma

2. Benign melanocytic hyperplasia

But if I were your kid's pediatrician I would just follow him up for 3 months since, the kid is in otherwise excellent health condition.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (32 hours later)

Thank you soooo much for your diagnosis.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I am happy that my suggstion put you at ease

Detailed Answer:
Hi... I am happy that my suggestion and diagnosis put you at ease.

Happy to help any time.

I wish your grand son a bright future. If you need any future medical consultation and suggestions, I will be glad to help. You can approach me at the following link. Once the page opens there will be an option below my image as – ASK ME A QUESTION – click on it. Please find the link below -

www.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-sumanth-amperayani/67696

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar