What should you know about subungual keratoacanthoma?

You may notice a firm, tender bump, a rough keratin plug, nail lifting, or a change in the nail’s shape. It can develop around the nail fold or beneath the nail and may be mistaken for a wart, infection, injury, or another tumour. Keratoacanthoma can be associated with sun-damaged skin, but a growth beneath a nail may have different contributing factors and cannot be identified reliably from appearance alone.

A clinician may inspect the growth and examine the rest of the skin and nails. Because some lesions can resemble squamous cell skin cancer, a tissue sample or removal may be recommended to establish what it is.

Arrange a dermatology appointment promptly and note when the bump began, how quickly it changed, and whether it bleeds or catches on clothing. Keep the area protected from friction and do not shave, squeeze, burn, or file the growth. Depending on its position and clinical findings, treatment may involve Curettage And Cautery or Surgical Excision, with the removed tissue examined when appropriate.

Seek prompt assessment for a rapidly enlarging lump, new bleeding, ulceration, marked tenderness, or a nail that is being pushed out of position. Obtain urgent care if redness spreads, drainage develops, or you feel unwell. A changing growth under a nail should not be watched indefinitely because several conditions can share the same outward features.

Ask whether the lesion needs a biopsy or complete removal, how the nail may be affected, and what wound care will involve. Ask when the result will be available and which changes should prompt an earlier review.