Subungual Melanoma vs Nail Fungus is common for doctors to make comparisons. The term subungual is medical talk for “under the nail”. Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that develops from the mutation of pigment producing cells. As a result, subungual Melanoma is a type of cancer that occurs under the nail plate. Furthermore, it often starts as a brown or black streak under the toenail or fingernail.
Nail Fungus
Onychomycosis is the medical term for nail fungus. As a result, it is caused by fungi called dermatophytes that infect the nail and spread through the nail bed and the layers of the nail plate.
Subungual melanoma is rare, accounting for about 3% of all malignant melanoma cases. As a result, nail fungus is one of the most common nail conditions in adults. Because both of the conditions above cause discoloration on the nail. Furthermore, one can be confused with the other. Below is a list of symptoms for the conditions.
Subungual Melanoma Symptoms:
- Black, purple, or brown bands that increase in size
- Darkening of the skin around the affected nail
- Splitting of cracking of the nail
- Pain
- Pus
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed
- Deterioration of the nail
- Also, the bruise on the nail will not heal as the nail grows
Nail Fungus Symptoms
- Thickened nail
- White, yellow, or brown discoloration
- Deformed nail shape
- Brittle nails
- Odor coming from the affected nail
If you have any of the symptoms above, visit a podiatrist to have it diagnosed. Click here for a free consultation. Nail fungus can easily be diagnosed, while melanoma will have to go through a biopsy. The doctor may ask when the symptoms began showing and how the nail has changed over time.
Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus
As you can see, tips for healthy feet without nail fungus can be easy to find. If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes on treatment. Other treatments like topical solutions and oral medication are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed. This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication.
Our nail doctor in Pasadena, CA recommends this treatment for toenail fungus. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, there’s no pain.
If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 our Pasadena, CA location, or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.
