Hi Natalie,

I'm sorry that you have this worry at such a difficult time. 

Dark marks on or under the nail can be caused by several things - fungal infection, trauma (do you remember bumping your toe or dropping anything on your foot?) or, in very rare circumstances, subungal melanoma. This type of melanoma only accounts for 1% of melanoma cases so there is a very good chance your nail problem is caused by either of the other options. 

Only a GP can tell what the problem may be. I know appointments will be difficult to get & will cause a longer wait but I suggest you make an appointment anyway. In the mean time, take a photo of the nail &, should it change whilst waiting (change colour, fade etc), take another photo. Once you see the GP you can then show what it looked like now. I'm assuming you have only just noticed this mark so you can tell the GP when it first appeared?

If the wait for your appointment is a few weeks, you could meanwhile ask your pharmacist for some fungal nail treatment & start using it to see if there is any improvement over the waiting period. 

If it's due to trauma, the mark will very slowly start to grow out - this movement will give you an idea it may be a bruise under the nail. It can take many months to disappear though.

If a GP appointment is impossible to get, your only other option is to pay to see a private dermatologist - if you have private health insurance it may be an easier option as you don't have to be referred by your GP.

Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

Angie (melanoma patient)