Evaluation of nail surface topography using a three-dimensional in vivo optical skin imaging system.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of nail surface topography is a subject of ever-increasing interest in dermatology, especially in cosmetic studies. However, there is no accurate and scientifically sound instrumental method that can identify and provide quantitative data on nail surface topography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The right index fingers of 78 healthy individuals were examined. The severity of nail roughness was rated by two independent dermatologists on a scale of 1 to 3. Using the phaseshift rapid in vivo measurement of the skin (PRIMOS) system, three-dimensional microtopography was performed, and the roughness parameter values were calculated and evaluated. The relationship between clinical nail roughness grade and nail roughness parameter values obtained utilizing PRIMOS was evaluated. RESULTS: A moderate correlation was found between the roughness parameter values and the clinical roughness grade. Our study showed that an overall relationship exists between the nail roughness parameter values obtained using PRIMOS and clinically observed nail surface changes. CONCLUSION: With further studies, PRIMOS could be a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers for conducting an accurate and objective patient assessment in daily practice and demonstrating effectiveness of different therapies for nail dystrophy or evaluating cosmetic effects of various topical treatments in future clinical trials.