Green nail: Etiology and treatment of chloronychia.

"Green nails" or chloronychia results from an infection mostly caused by Pseudomonas sp. but also from other bacterial or fungal contamination. Its presents as a typical triad: green discoloration of the nail plate with proximal chronic paronychia and disto-lateral onycholysis. In a moist environment, Pseudomonas colonizes onycholysis of any origin (traumatic, inflammatory or tumoral). Nail color varies from pale green to dark green, almost black. Treatment consists in cutting of the detached nail plate, brushing the nail bed with a 2% sodium hypochlorite solution twice daily accompanied by moisture eviction by wearing latex gloves over cotton ones for all daily household tasks.

Dermoscopic features of nail psoriasis: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Nail psoriasis is common in psoriasis vulgaris and even more prevalent in psoriatic arthritis. Dermatoscopy of the nail proves helpful in enhancing the visualization of psoriatic nail lesions. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to summarize the existing studies published in the literature that reported the various dermoscopic features of nail psoriasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of two medical databases, PubMed and Scopus, was conducted in April 2023. In total, 11 records were included. The number of reported cases in the included studies was 723. RESULTS: The average age was 42.39 years. Sixty percent of patients were males, and 40% were females. Pitting constituted the most common onychoscopic feature indicating nail matrix involvement, followed by various other features such as leukonychia, nail plate thickening, transverse and longitudinal ridges, and different lunula abnormalities. The predominant onychoscopic feature indicating nail bed involvement was onycholysis, followed by splinter hemorrhages, oil drop sign, subungual hyperkeratosis, dilated capillaries, agminated capillary dots, erythematous border, and pustules. Vascular abnormalities observed in all locations were present in 52% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical signs of nail psoriasis are diverse, and for the majority, they are nonspecific. Nail dermoscopy is a noninvasive tool that enhances the visualization of the nail manifestations of psoriasis. It may facilitate the establishment of diagnostic criteria for this pathology without resorting to more invasive procedures, such as nail biopsy.

Two case studies of the treatment of simple onycholysis with disappearing nail bed caused by trauma by combined pharmacological, orthonyxia and taping methods.

BACKGROUND: Simple onycholysis is a common complaint after trauma and consists in separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. If untreated, prolonged onycholysis may cause a disappearing nail bed (DNB) that leads to the shortening or narrowing of the nail plate. OBJECTIVES: This study is aimed at discussing possible treatment of chronic simple onycholysis with DNB by combined conservative methods. METHODS: Simple onycholysis and DNB treatment consists of Onygen® cream application, nail bed massages, bracing procedures and nail folds taping with kinesio tape. RESULTS: Long-lasting simple onycholysis with DNB may be fully eliminated by applying the combined pharmacological, orthonyxia and taping treatment. CONCLUSION: Advanced simple onycholysis, which leads to the DNB and, in consequence, to the shortening or narrowing of the nail plate, causes cosmetic discomfort for patients. A damaged nail apparatus is also more susceptible to new traumas. Even long-standing onycholysis with DNB can be successfully treated with easy-to-apply conservative methods. The key point of therapy is the use of several methods of treatment with different effects on the nail apparatus. The effects of described therapy are highly satisfactory, the only drawback being its long term, which is caused by slow growth of the nails.

Disappearing Nail Bed: Review of Etiology, Grading System, and Treatment Options.

Disappearing nail bed (DNB) is a condition characterized by irreversible epithelialization of the nail bed following long-standing onycholysis. This phenomenon can occur in fingernails and toenails. Factors implicated in the development of DNB include trauma, manicuring, and onychotillomania and dermatologic conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis. Specifically for the toenail, contributing factors also include increasing age, history of trauma, surgery, onychomycosis, and onychogryphosis. A grading system that stages the progression of onycholysis to DNB has been proposed to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. Several methods have been designated for the treatment of DNB.

Distal phalangeal bone erosions observed by HR-pQCT in patients with psoriatic onycholysis.

OBJECTIVES: PsA prevalence among skin psoriasis is ∼30%. Nail psoriasis, especially onycholysis, is present in >70% of PsA and the risk of developing PsA is more than doubled in patients with nail involvement. We hypothesized that onycholysis may be associated with early bone erosions of the DIP joint without harbouring PsA symptoms. METHODS: We compared tendon thickness, assessed by US, and bone erosions, assessed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT, of the DIP joint in patients with psoriatic onycholysis without PsA (ONY) with those in patients with cutaneous psoriasis only (PSO). We used patients with PsA as reference (PsA group), and healthy age-matched controls (CTRL). Differences between groups were assessed by analysis of variance tests followed by post hoc analysis using the Scheffe method. RESULTS: Mean (s.e.m.) age of the 87 participants (61% males) was 45.2 (1.3) years. The mean extensor tendon thickness was significantly larger in ONY than in PSO patients. In the PsA group, 68% of patients exhibited erosions of three different shapes: V-, Omega- and U-shape. Association with erosions was greater in the ONY group than in the PSO group (frequency: 57 vs 14%; P < 0.001; mean number of erosions: 1.10 (0.35) vs 0.03 (0.03); P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Onycholysis was associated with significant enthesopathy and bone erosions in our cohort. These data support the pathogenic role of enthesopathy in PsA. Onycholysis may be considered as a surrogate marker of severity in psoriasis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrails.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02813720.

Onycholysis an early indicator of thyroid disease.

Onycholysis is also referred to plummer's nails is a dermatological nail disorder characterized by spontaneous distal separation of the nail plate from the free margin and progressively proximally. We discuss a case of the 38-year-old man with onycholysis associated with hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease. In this case review, we will discuss an association of onycholysis with thyroid disease and its diagnostic prognosis. Any unexplained onycholysis should prompt the clinician to investigate the client for asymptomatic hyperthyroidism.

Nail Changes in Sézary Syndrome: A Single-Center Study and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: The onychodystrophies associated with Sézary syndrome (SzS) have rarely been described in the literature. We performed a retrospective analysis of SzS patients at a single institution and compared our data with previous publications. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to identify and describe the most frequent nail alterations in patients with SzS. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed with some prospective observations at the University of Pittsburgh from 1989 to 2017. RESULTS: We identified 54 patients with SzS out of 535 patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Nineteen patients with SzS had photos of their nail. All those patients exhibited some type of onychodystrophy. The most common types were paronychia (63.2%; 12/19), leukonychia (42.1%; 8/19), onycholysis (42.1%; 8/19), trachyonychia (31.6%; 6/19), and subungual hyperkeratosis (26.3; 5/19). Cluster analysis of our data in comparison with published data on the psoriatic nails indicated that while leukonychia, onycholysis, subungual hyperkeratosis, and nail discoloration were frequently observed in psoriasis, onychauxis, anonychia, distal notching, and onychoschizia occurred more commonly in patients with SzS. CONCLUSIONS: The most common nail manifestations in SzS patients included paronychia, leukonychia, and onycholysis. The nail manifestations in SzS patients appeared to be heterogeneous, while onychauxis, anonychia, distal notching, and onychoschizia seem to be specific to SzS in comparison with psoriasis.

Nail cosmetics: a dermatological perspective.

Nail cosmetics are used by millions worldwide and the variety of products available is expanding. They are relatively safe, but complications can occur, and patients experiencing complications may present to dermatologists. The physical processes can cause nail thinning and onycholysis, poor technique can promote infection, and consumers may develop allergic contact dermatitis. Ultraviolet nail lamps are widely used for curing gel nails, but their use is unregulated and they are readily accessible in salons or for home use. There is concern about potential carcinogenesis; however, the risk is negligible and can be further reduced with the use of sunscreen. Despite the potential complications, nail cosmetics may be a useful adjunct in treating nail disorders. Familiarity with the procedures will enable the dermatologist to recognize problems and advise on safe use.

Photoonycholysis: new findings.

First described in 1961, photoonycholysis (PO) is a rare nail alteration that may result from drug intake, from topical aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy or from photosensitive conditions such as porphyria or pseudoporphyria. Spontaneous PO is rare. This review updates the numerous causes of PO and highlights some new ways producing this condition. Four different types of PO are clearly recognized without relationship with the responsible drug. An updated list of potential inducing drug is provided. Some practical points on PO have been raised. The inability to reproduce photoonycholysis experimentally should be emphasized, and the pathogenesis of PO still needs to be clarified.

Onychoscopy: Dermoscopy of the Nails.

Onychoscopy is the examination of the nail unit using a dermoscope. The dermoscopic criteria for a valid diagnosis have been developed and assessed in numerous papers. However, in all nail alterations that are suspicious or potentially malignant, a surgical intervention with subsequent histopathological evaluation should be performed. A simple visualization may not be helpful in diagnosing many nail conditions nor is a nail biopsy diagnostic in all cases. Onychoscopy is a valuable aid in enhancing visible nail features and in revealing cryptic features of diagnostic value.

A double-blind, randomised trial of a polyphenolic-rich nail bed balm for chemotherapy-induced onycholysis: the UK polybalm study.

PURPOSE: Nail damage is common amongst patients receiving chemotherapy causing disfigurement and pain. This investigation evaluated whether a topical balm containing steam-extracted, bioactive polyphenolic-rich herbal oils blended with organic waxes could protect the nails via their reported anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties. METHODS: 60 patients (23M, 37F) were randomised to apply (2-3/day) either the plant balm (PB) or a petroleum control (PC) to their nail beds. Demographics, type and number of chemotherapy cycles did not differ between the two groups, recruited between Sept 2015 and Sept 2016. An unpaired t test was used to test the differences in symptoms and physical nail damage between the two groups. RESULTS: Symptom scores recorded with the dermatology life quality questionnaire (DLQQ) were significantly better, between the start and end of chemotherapy, in the group applying the PB versus PC. Likewise, the mean fall in nail damage, scored with the Nail Psoriasis Index by the supervising physician, was also significantly different. CONCLUSION: The polyphenolic-rich essential oils and plant-based waxes in this nail bed balm profoundly reduced chemotherapy-related nail damage and improved nail-related quality of life, compared to a control. A further analysis is planned combining this balm with nail bed cooling.

Nail findings in patients with psoriatic arthritis: A cross-sectional study with special reference to transverse grooves.

BACKGROUND: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) commonly present with nail manifestations; however, little is known about these manifestations. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether nail findings can be used to discriminate between PsA and psoriasis without arthritis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 118 patients with PsA and 974 patients with psoriasis without arthritis who visited St. Luke's International Hospital (Tokyo, Japan) between July 2003 and February 2015. Patients with PsA were classified according to the Classification of Psoriatic Arthritis criteria. Skin lesion severity was assessed by using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and 9 types of nail findings were investigated. RESULTS: The incidence of nail involvement in patients with PsA was 67.6%. Female sex, presence of transverse grooves, onycholysis, and splinter hemorrhages were significantly related to PsA, with transverse grooves demonstrating the strongest association (odds ratio, 5.01; 95% confidence interval, 2.31-10.8; P < .01). Furthermore, the presence of transverse grooves was strongly related to both distal interphalangeal arthritis and enthesitis. LIMITATIONS: The PsA population was relatively small. CONCLUSIONS: Nail findings enabled us to distinguish patients with PsA from those without arthritis. The presence of transverse grooves is significantly associated with PsA and may be associated with distal interphalangeal arthritis and enthesitis.