Nail discoloration in pediatric skin of color patients

Abstract

Nail pigmentation in children can cause significant anxiety in parents and clinicians. Different pigments of the nails, such as yellow, orange, and green, can all occur; however, this paper will focus on the dark pigments: brown, gray, and black pigmentation of the nails. Many causes of dark coloration of the nails exist; almost all causes in pediatric patients are benign and require no treatment. Melanoma is the one diagnosis that physicians do not want to miss. Fortunately, this is extremely rare in children.