In what situations would a nail need to be removed to treat a fungal infection?

As Dr Paul has explained, the appearance of a brown line on your nail, known as melanonchia, is due to melanin within the nail. It's most often due to non-worrying causes. These include: Moles Freckles Fungal infection Pregnancy Trauma/injury (eg. from nail-biting) Bleeding under the nail Melanonchia due to moles commonly affect the thumbs, index fingers and big toes, like in your case. Of course, as you may have read, the internet will say that the big C word is a possible cause too (melanoma, a particularly aggressive type of skin cancer).

Thanks for the question. Pityriasis rosea is a condition that typically presents with scattered red rashes on the trunk and arms and thighs which may be scaly. The face is often spared in this condition. There is a herald patch, often a larger patch that appears before the rest of the rashes, but this is not seen in all cases of pityriasis rosea. The face is also a very unusual site to get the herald patch. So overall, it is really difficult to comment if your rash is truly pityriasis rosea without seeing your rashes.