Nail Disorders

Nail diseases are not only a cosmetic problem but may be a sign of an underlying systemic disease, infection, or malignancy. Patients can present with nail plate changes (e.g., thickening, onycholysis, pitting), abnormalities in nail shape (short or long nails, spoon-shaped nails, thick curved nails, or even no fingernails and/or toenails), or nail discoloration. The most common nail disorders seen in clinical practice include brittle nails, onycholysis, paronychia, psoriasis, and onychomycosis. Careful history and clinical examination of all nail units are necessary for accurate diagnosis. Treatments include topical and systemic medications, surgical intervention, and devices, depending on the cause and the condition.