You should always keep an eye on your body and pay attention to small changes. A visit to a doctor can save your life if you discover discolouration on your nails.

Jean Skinner is a nail designer. Recently, a client approached her and asked her to cover a strange discolouration of a nail, as it was black around the corners. Fortunately, Jean diagnosed what was going on.

Body sends signals
The client was aware that the discolouration could be hereditary, a bruise or a calcium deficiency (nails can reveal a lot about people). But Jean immediately recognised the dark streak as a sign of a dangerous melanomaand immediately sent the woman to the doctor.

It is a malignant melanoma that has already spread to the lymph nodes. Jean warn others and gives advice on what to watch out for with nails. She suggests we should watch out for abnormalities in the nail bed.

Subungual melanomas
Subungual melanomas are extremely uncommon, occurring in just 0.07 per cent to 3.5 per cent of melanoma patients worldwide. This form of melanoma differs from others because it isn't caused by exposure to the sun. However, these melanomas have the potential to spread to other regions of your body, resulting in death.

Strange changes in the nails need not always be a cause for concern. But they can be signs of a serious illness.

Symptoms
According to WebMD, these are the symptoms you should watch out for:

Dark streaks on nails
Lifting from the nail bed
Redness and swelling around nail
Greenish-black hue
‌Pitting: tiny marks that look like they’ve been made by an ice-pick
‌Turns yellowish
Seep grooves or gaps
Thick and overgrown nail
Thin and spoon-shaped nail
Looks like you have been picking at or pulling back on the cuticle, the skin at the bottom of your nail
Curved
Unusual colouring
In any case, families and friends should pay attention to such signs and take them seriously. In case of doubt, a doctor should always be consulted immediately.

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