Hi doctor, I have got a pigmented line in my fourth toenail. It started as a freckle that was tan in color quite quickly over in four or five months it has turned darker. It is not growing out but spreading in width. The bottom left part of my skin and cuticle area is very itchy at times and it feels tender in my toe and top of foot at times too. I have not had any trauma to my foot, knocked it or dropped anything on it. Is it something that will just disappear? I am a 31 year old female, currently on Amitriptyline 50 mg at night.
Hi. I have examined the submitted details and will do my best to help you overcome the problem. Close examination shows the dark band appearance that is often seen in individuals who get an infection due to a fungus. To most of my clinic patients, I suggest tablet Fluconazole 150 mg weekly and Miconazole or similar antifungal lotion twice a day. It takes some weeks before the results are apparent. If there is itching in adjacent areas, Zyrtec (Cetirizine) or another antiallergic can be a great help, taken once a day. With proper care, avoidance of moisture in the area, and well fitting footwear, the problem is manageable. Best wishes.