What does melanonychia refer to?

Melanonychia refers to the darkening of the fingernails or toenails, which can result from an increase in melanin pigmentation. This condition may be a normal variation in some individuals but can also indicate underlying health issues, such as a fungal infection, trauma, or even more serious conditions like melanoma. Understanding melanonychia is vital for nail technicians because recognizing changes in nail color can help in identifying potential health concerns in clients, leading to appropriate referrals. The other options address different nail conditions: separation of the nail from its bed relates to onycholysis, abnormal growth patterns might pertain to various nail disorders, and pitting is specifically associated with conditions like psoriasis.