There are a number of early warning signs that appear on your nails, according to specialists, which indicate you may need to see a doctor ASAP.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, we should be making a conscious effort to check ourselves for signs of skin cancer, particularly in our nails.
Melanoma is a rather rare form of skin cancer, but cancer.ie claims greater numbers of people are being diagnosed with it each year.
This disease not only affects older generations but is also known to affect younger people too.
On average, 1,100 melanoma skin cancers were diagnosed in Ireland from 2018 to 2020.
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It is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer but if found early, it is very treatable.
If it is not caught early, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious medical issues.
Things you should look out for include:
- A dark streak - This may look like a brown or black band in the nail, and often appears on the thumb or big toe of your dominant hand or foot. However, this dark streak can show up on any nail.
- Dark skin next to your nail - When the skin around your nail becomes darker, it could be a sign of advanced melanoma, according to doctors.
- Nail lifting from your fingers or toes - When this happens, your nail starts to separate from the nail bed. The white free edge at the top of your nail will start to look longer as the nail lifts.
- Nail splitting - This occurs when the nail splits down the middle.
- A bump or nodule under your nails - You might also see a band of color on your nail. It could be wide and irregular or dark and narrow.
Nail melanoma is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage than melanoma on the skin, which makes it more dangerous for your health.
Therefore, if you notice any changes to your nails, including a new dark band on your nail, you should make an appointment to see a dermatologist.
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