Ingrown and pincer nails: evaluation and treatment

Ingrown toenails are mainly a condition of children and young adults, whereas ingrown fingernail and pincer nails are seen in adults. Their etiology is multifactorial. Different types of ingrowing nails require different treatments. Neonatal ones are always treated conservatively. The hypertrophic lateral nail wall seldom requires surgery. Congenital misalignment of the big toenail may resolve spontaneously, but delay in treatment may cause permanent nail dystrophy. The juvenile type is most common and is treated conservatively in its early stages. Selective matrix horn phenolization or excision is the treatment of choice for later stages. Pincer nails are due to widening of the base of the distal phalanx. Treatment is aimed at reducing the outward pressure of the lateral osteophytes on the matrix horns and permanently flattening the nail. A variety of different methods are discussed.     

A Case of Congenital Ectopic Nails on Bilateral Little Fingers

Congenital ectopic nails are a rare anomaly, but we observed a case of a 43-year-old woman with ectopic nails at the tips of her bilateral little fingers. On X-ray, the distal phalanx of the each little finger appeared depressed. We surgically removed the ectopic nails. One year and 6 months later, no relapse had occurred. The histopathological examination revealed undifferentiated nail tissue including nail, nail matrix, and nail epithelium.     

Subungual exostosis treated with an in situ thin split-thickness toenail bed graft

Subungual exostosis is a slow-growing, benign outgrowth of normal bone or calcified cartilaginous remains of the distal phalanx. Complete surgical excision of lesions, including the cartilaginous cap, is a unique curative method. An 18-year-old male presented with a protruding papule on the right great toenail. Diagnosis of subungual exostosis had been established and complete excision was performed. In addition, an in situ thin split-thickness toenail bed graft was used to cover the defect. At 6 months after excision, the patient had no complaint of recurrence or pain. We report on a unique trial case of subungual exostosis treated with thin split-thickness nail bed grafts taken from the adjacent normal nail bed of the affected toe.     

儿童甲母痣35例外科治疗效果分析

目的:探讨儿童甲母痣外科手术治疗的合理术式。方法:回顾分析重庆医科大学附属儿童医院2015年9月至2019年3月手术治疗的35例甲母痣（病理确诊）患儿的临床资料,根据病变部位、宽度采取不同的手术方式。对病变宽度≤ 3 mm者,采用甲床及甲母质病变外缘旁开1~2 mm直接切除缝合术治疗,共11例。对病变宽度>3 mm者,...     

Congenital malalignment of the big toe nail

Congenital malalignment of the big toe nail is based on a lateral deviation of the nail plate. This longitudinal axis shift is due to a deviation of the nail matrix, possibly caused by increased traction of the hypertrophic extensor tendon of the hallux. Congenital malalignment of the big toe nail is typically present at birth. Ingrown toenails and onychogryphosis are among the most common complications. Depending on the degree of deviation, conservative or surgical treatment may be recommended.     

Nail surgery: practical tips and treatment options

This paper provides an introductory overview of nail surgery, including basic principles, anesthesia, wound dressings, and several common nail procedures. In detail, it reviews how to achieve complete anesthesia and hemostasis, perform matrix injection, punch biopsy of the plate, bed, and matrix, and nail fold biopsy, with practical tips and suggested surgical indications.     

Nail abnormalities identified in an ageing study of 30 inbred mouse strains

In a large‐scale ageing study, 30 inbred mouse strains were systematically screened for histologic evidence of lesions in all organ systems. Ten strains were diagnosed with similar nail abnormalities. The highest frequency was noted in NON/ShiLtJ mice. Lesions identified fell into two main categories: acute to chronic penetration of the third phalangeal bone through the hyponychium with associated inflammation and bone remodelling or metaplasia of the nail matrix and nail bed associated with severe orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis replacing the nail plate. Penetration of the distal phalanx through the hyponychium appeared to be the initiating feature resulting in nail abnormalities. The accompanying acute to subacute inflammatory response was associated with osteolysis of the distal phalanx. Evaluation of young NON/ShiLtJ mice revealed that these lesions were not often found, or affected only one digit. The only other nail unit abnormality identified was sporadic subungual epidermoid inclusion cysts which closely resembled similar lesions in human patients. These abnormalities, being age‐related developments, may have contributed to weight loss due to impacts upon feeding and should be a consideration for future research due to the potential to interact with other experimental factors in ageing studies using the affected strains of mice.     

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia affecting the nail bed and underlying bone

A 69-year-old Japanese woman had a dark red, 1-cm nodule located in the nail bed of the middle toe of her right foot. An X-ray examination revealed an osteolytic lesion of the distal phalanx of the right middle toe. Histopathology showed a proliferation of blood vessels surrounded by epithelioid cells and an infiltration of many eosinophils and some inflammatory cells. There has been no recurrence after surgical excision of the skin lesion and the distal phalanx of the right middle toe.     

Surgical management of ingrown toenails – an update overdue

For decades, every year sees a wide number of articles about treatment of ingrown toenails. There is still a debate about the cause of this painful condition. Surgical treatments rely on two main approaches: either narrowing the nail plate or debulking the soft tissues. It is up to the surgeon to select the most appropriate approach in each case. All procedures cited in this article have high cure rates as long as they are properly performed. As with all surgical procedures, they are operator dependent. Chemical cautery is the easiest and most versatile technique that may help in almost all instances for lateral ingrowing. For distal embedding and very hypertrophic and exuberant lateral folds, debulking with secondary intention healing is the most effective and easy to perform, with great results.     

Diseases of the generative nail apparatus. Part I: Nail matrix

Disorders of the generative structures of the nail produce a characteristic set of outcomes. The matrix is the seat of nail development and diseases or insults of this germinative epithelium will tell a story in the signs that unfold in the ensuing nail growth. This story will be influenced by the intensity, duration and extent of this pathology. A method of categorizing changes associated with the generative matrix of the nail will be presented.     

Significance of Surgery to Correct Anatomical Alterations in Pincer Nails

BackgroundPincer nail deformity and its causes can pose a therapeutic challenge. Ill-fitting shoes and subungual exostosis of the toes may be attributed to pincer nail formation. However, in some cases, the causes of pincer nail deformity could not be determined. The role of mechanobiology in nail configuration and deformities has rarely been considered.ObjectiveThe present study investigated the effectiveness of surgical procedures to correct pincer nail deformity, in terms of anatomical changes measured by radiographs.MethodsTwo surgical procedures, nail bed widening with matrixectomy or a dermal graft, were used on 30 nails in 20 patients with pincer deformity. Changes in the width, height, and curvature indices were assessed. Radiographs were obtained to evaluate the presence of osteophytes and measure the interphalangeal angle in terms of mechanobiology in nail configuration.ResultsPreoperative and postoperative assessment results revealed marked improvement objectively and subjectively. The mean width index was greater after surgery than that before surgery (84.4% vs. 64.8%). Both mean height and curvature indices were smaller after surgery than before preoperative (23.0% vs. 76.7% and 1.3% vs. 2.2%, respectively).ConclusionNail bed widening with matrixectomy, which corrects anatomical alterations in pincer nails, is suggested to be suitable for patients with pincer nail deformity.     

An effective surgical treatment for nail thickening in Darier''s disease

BACKGROUND: Nail thickening of idiopathic or hereditary aetiology originating in the matrix is difficult to treat. OBJECTIVE; The purpose is to describe an easy surgical technique to reduce the thickness of the nail. METHODS AND RESULTS: The result is achieved by shortening the matrix with an excellent cosmetic appearance in the newly formed nail plate. CONCLUSION: Nail thickening in Darier's disease originating in the matrix, and other similar hereditary or idiopathic conditions, may benefit from this surgical approach.     

Hereditary 'white nails': a genetic and structural study

BACKGROUND: Hereditary subtotal leuconychia is a rare nail disease. The gene(s) underlying this phenotype is (are) not known. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies of nails are performed infrequently. OBJECTIVES: To perform genetic linkage analysis and to assess ultrastructure and soft/hard keratin expression in hereditary white nails. METHODS: We have analysed microscopically and ultrastructurally the white nails of a patient from a family in which the trait is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner as an isolated symptom. No skin lesions or hair abnormalities could be detected. Genetic linkage studies were performed on DNA samples obtained from several members of the affected family. A longitudinal surgical biopsy of the nail from a great toe was split in two parts. One part was fixed in formalin and processed for histopathology. Another part was further subdivided and embedded either in Epon, following fixation in 2% glutaraldehyde, or in Lowicryl K4M, after fixation in 3% paraformaldehyde. Dewaxed nail sections and Lowicryl ultrathin sections were also stained with various antikeratin antibodies. RESULTS: Genetic linkage studies of the family pointed to the disease gene mapping to the chromosomal 12q13 region. Genes mapping within this chromosomal region include the genes coding for type II (basic) cytokeratins and hard keratins. The nail matrix presented an abnormal hypergranulosis. The upper part of the nail plate, originating from the proximal nail matrix, had a nonhomogeneous lamellar appearance, with numerous intracellular 'lipidic' vacuoles and 'empty' spaces separating keratin filament bundles. These cells were progressively shed at the nail surface. The cell loss was compensated by hyperproliferation of the distal matrix and of the nail bed keratinocytes, with persistent marked parakeratosis and loose arrangement of keratin bundles. The distal matrix and the nail bed contributed equally to formation of the lower plate. This presented the characteristics of a tissue composed of soft keratins. Accordingly, there was virtually no labelling with the Hb1 antibody to a basic hard keratin in the white nail, whereas the labelling with AE3 antibody to all type II keratins and with KL1 recognizing suprabasal soft keratins was normal or even enhanced. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic linkage indicates that the gene defect underlying the leuconychia in the family studied resides on chromosome 12q13. As the type II keratins map within this chromosomal interval, it is possible that a mutation in one of these keratin genes may be a cause of the hereditary leuconychia. The white appearance of nails in this disease seems to be due to an abnormal keratinization of cells originating from the proximal nail matrix, leading to the presence of abundant intracellular vacuoles and to a lesser compactness of keratins.     

Treatment of nail psoriasis with 8% clobetasol nail lacquer: positive experience in 10 patients

BACKGROUND: Treatment of nail psoriasis is difficult. Several topical therapies have been employed with poor results because drug penetration is limited in this localization. Recently, a new formulation containing 8% clobetasol-17-propionate in a colourless nail lacquer vehicle has shown good results in the control of nail psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of 8% clobetasol-17-propionate in a lacquer vehicle in nail psoriasis. METHODS: Ten patients with both nail bed and matrix psoriasis were included in the study. They were treated with a colourless nail lacquer containing 8% clobetasol-17-propionate that was applied once daily for 21 days and then twice weekly for 9 months. RESULTS: Within 4 weeks of therapy there was a reduction of all the nail alterations, including nail pain. Therapeutic response was directly related to the length of therapy. The nail parameters that responded best to therapy were onycholysis, pitting and salmon patches. Subungual hyperkeratosis and splinter haemorrhages on the other hand had moderate and poor improvement, respectively. The treatment was well tolerated in all of the patients and there were no local (i.e. atrophy and sobreinfection) or systemic secondary effects. CONCLUSIONS: The formulation containing 8% clobetasol-17-propionate is a safe, effective and cosmetically highly acceptable treatment for nail bed and matrix psoriasis.     

15例甲下色素痣临床及组织病理学分析

目的:探讨甲下色素痣的临床及组织病理学特点.方法:回顾分析西京医院全军皮肤病研究所2003-2009年诊断的15例甲下色素痣患者的临床及组织病理学特点.结果:15例患者年龄均<25岁,其中男6例.女9例.发生于指甲14例,发生于趾甲1例,各指(趾)间病甲分布无明显差异.12例表现为界限清楚,颜色均一的甲黑线,3例表现为全甲黑变.有1例患者为复发性甲色素痣.组织病理资料显示14例患者表现为交界痣,1例为混合痣,未发现单纯皮内痣患者.甲色素痣表现为以甲母质为中心的黑素细胞增生,细胞呈单个分布或聚集成巢,多位于近基底层部位.混合痣真皮内可见少量界限清楚的细胞巢.色素痣细胞形态均一,细胞核小,无典型核分裂象,树状突不明显,多产生较细腻的色素颗粒.结论:甲下色素痣是发生在甲母质及甲板部位的良性色素痣,多见于儿童和青少年,临床以颜色均一、界限清楚的甲黑线或弥漫性黑甲为主要表现.其组织病理特征多为交界痣.     

Congenital brachydactyly and nail hypoplasia: clue to bone-dependent nail formation

Congenital hyponychia and anonychia are rare malformations which may form part of syndromes such as nail-patella syndrome, ectodermal dysplasias and brachydactylies, or may occur as an isolated finding. Congenital hyponychia and anonychia are frequently accompanied by underlying skeletal abnormalities. A 20-year-old woman showed congenital bilateral hypoplasia or aplasia of the second, third and fourth toenails with corresponding phalanx dysplasia or aplasia of the affected toes. Malformations of the hands or other congenital defects were absent. The findings in this patient do not exactly fit any known entities. Our clinical observation prompted us to review the literature on congenital hyponychia/anonychia and to summarize recent advances in understanding molecular events in nail development. In conclusion, the association of nail anomalies with aplasia and/or hypoplasia of corresponding middle and/or distal phalanges supports the hypothesis of bone-dependent nail formation.     

Nail beauty

Nail beauty depends firstly upon nail health. It is a truism to say that a beautiful nail is always a healthy nail. In addition, there are subjective and evolving aspects of nail beauty which are related to fashion. The texture of the nail affects its appearance and function. Soft or brittle nails are fragile. This results in unattractive longitudinal and horizontal splitting. Fragility is encouraged by wet work and excessive nail manicuring, especially by the removal of nail cosmetics. Critical to the aesthetic appeal of the nail is its shape. Most pleasing are nails are those that conform to the 'magic' ratio, in which the nail's length is approximately equal to its breadth, especially for the thumbs. The role of nail decoration and nail art in nail beauty is a subjective and evolving question of fashion.     

Nail anatomy

The nail unit comprises the nail plate, the surrounding soft tissues, and their vasculature and innervation based upon the distal phalanx. The nail plate is a laminated keratinized structure lying on the nail matrix (15-25%), the nail bed with its distal onychodermal band (75-85%), and the hyponychium at its free edge. The distal part of the matrix, the lunula characterized by its half-moon shape, can be observed in some digits. The nail plate is embedded by the proximal and lateral folds. From the proximal nail fold, the cuticle (also known as the eponychium), adheres to the superficial surface of the proximal nail plate. The nail unit possesses a complex and abundant vascular network to ensure adequate blood supply. Finally, both the periungual soft tissues and the nail folds are innervated. The shapes, structure, and inter-relationships of these tissues are factors in the way nails present with disease and how we understand and manage those diseases. In particular, an understanding of the surgical anatomy is important for those undertaking diagnostic or curative operations on the nail. With this knowledge, the most appropriate surgery can be planned and the patient can be provided with accurate and clear guidance to enable informed consent.     

A Case Report of Twenty-Nail Dystrophy

A case report of twenty-nail dystrophy in a 21-year-old woman is presented. All her finger nails were affected with numerous small superficial pits. The histological findings showed the focal spongiotic change in the nail matrix reflecting the clinical appearance of the nail plate surface.     

Nails in systemic disease

Nail plate and nail unit abnormalities may be helpful as diagnostic tools or as a part of the puzzle for confirmation of systemic disease. There are specific and nonspecific nail signs, which can be seen involving one or more nails, that occur simultaneously or secondary to systemic disease. Occasionally these clues can be diagnostic, while most are nonspecific reaction patterns. Nail changes occur in the nail plate as a result of nail matrix abnormalities caused by systemic disease and other systemic insults such as reactions to medications. In this article we review some of the more common nail signs that can be used to help diagnose systemic disease.