Nail Disorders and Their Management, An Issue of Dermatologic Clinics

In their protective role, nails bear the brunt of daily activities. Walking, running, wearing shoes or participating in sports are just a few of the stresses and strains the feet must endure. All or a portion of the nail plate can be damaged when the feet are injured or abused. Nail disorders include those abnormalities that affect any portion of the nail unit. The nail unit includes the plate, matrix, bed, proximal and lateral folds, hyponychium, and some definitions include the underlying distal phalanx. These structures may be affected by heredity, skin disorders, infections, systemic disease, the aging process, internal and external medications, physical and environmental agents, trauma, and tumors, both benign and malignant. Nail problems are commonly caused by improper trimming, minor injuries or repeated trauma. Some nail disorders can also be congenital. Nail disorders comprise approximately 10% of all dermatologic conditions. This issue of Dermatologic Clinics will address various diseases and common maladies associated with nail disorders, including treatment.