What should you know about dermoscopy nail?

The clinician may inspect a dark or light band, changes in the nail surface, splinter-like marks, redness, swelling, or separation of the nail from its bed. Magnified viewing can show whether pigment appears regular or uneven and whether the surrounding nail fold is involved. A nail can change after injury, infection, inflammation, medication exposure, or other causes, so the image is interpreted with the timeline and examination rather than in isolation.

Remove nail polish, gel, acrylic material, and adhesive coverings before the visit when possible; these can hide the plate and nearby skin. Tell the clinician about recent knocks, manicures, occupational hand use, new medicines, pain, swelling, or changes in several nails. Do not trim away a discoloured area before assessment. The clinician may examine matching nails on the other hand or foot and may photograph the finding for follow-up.

Arrange medical review for a new or widening dark band, pigment extending onto the adjacent skin, a nail that lifts without a clear injury, persistent bleeding, a painful swollen nail fold, or a mark that changes as the nail grows. Seek earlier care for rapid change or signs of infection such as spreading redness or drainage. These findings have multiple possible causes, but direct examination helps determine the appropriate next step.

Ask whether the pattern is within the nail plate, nail bed, or surrounding skin, and whether comparing growth over time will help. You can ask if testing is needed, what changes to photograph, and how to protect the nail while the assessment is ongoing.