25/12/2025
Reversal of Congenital Nail Growth Arrest in a Child: A
Case Report
CLINICAL EYE: - Observe. Analyze.Diagnose Learn. ”
Abstract
Congenital disorders of nail growth are rare and often lack definitive therapeutic options in conventional medical practice, particularly in the absence of syndromic associations. We report the case of an 8-year-old female child presenting with lifelong absence of normal nail growth affecting multiple fingernails. Extensive prior evaluations failed to identify a definitive diagnosis or offer effective treatment. Following individualized homoeopathic intervention, objective nail growth was observed within three months. This case highlights a rare presentation of congenital nail matrix dysfunction and raises the possibility of functional reversibility when addressed through individualized systemic therapy.
Keywords
Congenital anonychia, Nail matrix hypoplasia, Nail growth arrest, Pediatric nail disorder, Idiopathic nail dystrophy
Introduction
Normal nail development depends on the functional integrity of the nail matrix, an ectodermal structure responsible for keratin production. Congenital nail abnormalities range from complete absence (anonychia) to hypoplastic or dystrophic nails. Isolated congenital nail growth arrest without associated skeletal, ectodermal, or genetic syndromes is extremely uncommon. Management options in conventional medicine are limited and largely supportive. This report documents a rare case of congenital nail matrix inactivity with subsequent restoration of nail growth following individualized homoeopathic treatment.
Case Presentation
An 8-year-old girl was brought for consultation with the chief complaint of absence of normal nail growth since early childhood. According to parental history, the fingernails had remained persistently short and underdeveloped, with no appreciable forward growth over several years.
The child had previously been evaluated at multiple tertiary-care hospitals in major cities. Despite clinical examinations and routine investigations, no definitive diagnosis or treatment plan was offered. There was no history of trauma, habitual nail biting, chemical exposure, or chronic medication use. Family history was non-contributory. Growth and developmental milestones were appropriate for age.
On examination, the fingernails were present but markedly short, thin, and hypoplastic, consistent with arrested nail growth. The periungual skin appeared normal. There were no associated skeletal abnormalities or features suggestive of ectodermal dysplasia.
Based on clinical findings, the condition was assessed as partial congenital anonychia with functional nail matrix hypoplasia, idiopathic in nature.
Intervention and Outcome
The patient was managed with individualized homoeopathic treatment, prescribed after detailed case analysis. No local or external applications were used during the treatment period.
Within three months of initiating therapy, clear and progressive nail growth was observed in multiple fingernails, representing the first documented nail growth in the patient’s life. The improvement was sustained on subsequent follow-up visits.
Discussion
Congenital nail growth disorders are primarily considered structural or genetic, with limited scope for reversal once established. The absence of syndromic features in this case suggests a functional rather than irreversible structural defect of the nail matrix. The observed response indicates possible reactivation of nail matrix function, emphasizing the importance of individualized systemic approaches in select idiopathic cases.
This case also underscores the limitations of symptom-based management in rare developmental nail disorders and highlights the need for broader therapeutic perspectives.
Conclusion
This case documents a rare presentation of congenital nail growth arrest with subsequent restoration of nail growth following individualized homoeopathic treatment. While further studies are required, the findings suggest that certain congenital nail matrix dysfunctions may not be entirely irreversible.
