Dark spot on fingernail

[mamapigeon]

Hi,

I've had a tiny dark streak on my index finger for around 4-5 months now. The streak is VERY small, maybe 2 mm and near the tip of the finger. When I first saw it, I thought it was dirt but made a mental note to keep my eye on it (a friend had melanoma and I researched signs and symptoms so I could keep an eye on her, including fingernails!).

The streak has not grown or changed in color. It is on the underside of my fingernail, it doesn't seem to be on the skin...

I was wondering if anyone has experience with melanoma diagnosed with fingernail streaking? Does the streaking appear on skin if it's melanoma?

I plan on calling a dermatologist tomorrow, but would appreciate comments. Thanks!

[Mommy2Austin]

I've had it happen a couple times. Every time I had smashed my finger a bit and it bled under my nail. As my nail grew the spot would move closer to the end of my nail bed and eventually it would get washed out/disappear. It did take a while for it to go away (in terms of a number of months)

[mamapigeon]

Thanks for the response. I know what you're talking about, I've had those too when I've really injured my nail area. This is more of a line than a spot or bruise though. It's kind of scary, I wish it was just a weird blood pattern under the nail.