30/05/2023
Nail dystrophy in a brief!
Nail dystrophy also called onychodystrophy, is a general term that describes malformed fingernails and toenails; in this condition, the nails are often deformed, ridged, pitted or discolored.
Nail dystrophy involves partial or complete disruption of the various keratinous layers of the nail plate. Nail dystrophy may result from any traumatic or inflammatory process that involves the nail matrix, nail bed, or surrounding tissues.
Causes
Nail dystrophy can be caused by:
1. Congenital nail diseases
2. Systemic disorders such as anemia, Raynaud’s disease, hepatic failure, chronic heart failure, renal failure, thyroiditis, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic bronchitis also affect nail growth.
3. Dermatophyte fungal nail infection (onychomycosis)
4. Nonfungal infections
5. Inflammatory dermatologic diseases of the nail unit such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, lichen planus, lichen nitidus, pityriasis rubra pilaris, alopecia areata, Darier’s disease and tumors.
6. Systemic drug use like chemotherapeutic agents. These agents act on rapidly proliferating organs.
7. Nail trauma: biting, grooming, and chronic manipulation of any sort may also result in nail dystrophy. Repeated trauma to the cuticle may median nail dystrophy (central longitudinal ridging).
Summary
1. Onychomycosis is the most common cause of nail dystrophy in adults, it is unusual in children before puberty.
2. Among skin inflammatory dermatoses, psoriasis is the most common cause of nail dystrophy.
3. Dystrophic nails occur frequently as a complications.