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Review
. 2018 Sep-Oct;93(5):707-711.
doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20187908.

Retronychia

Affiliations
Review

Retronychia

Cristina Diniz Borges Figueira de Mello et al. An Bras Dermatol. 2018 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Retronychia is a recently described disorder caused by ingrowth of the proximal nail plate into the proximal nail fold. It is suspected when there is persistent paronychia, particularly in the setting of trauma. This disease is probably underdiagnosed due to limited knowledge among dermatologists and the presence of incomplete clinical forms. Nail plate avulsion is the diagnostic and curative procedure of choice, despite reports of relapse.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: None.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Retronychia: Longitudi nal view showing multiple ingro wn nail plates, xanthonychia and inflammation of the proximal nail fold. Illustration by Rodrigo Tonan
Figure 2
Figure 2
A - Onycholysis and xanthonychia of both halluces in the setting of disrupted nail growth B - The avulsed nail plate presents multiple layers
Figure 3
Figure 3
Periungual erythema, onycholysis, and mild yellow colo ration of the right big toenail after local trauma
Figure 4
Figure 4
Chronic painful paronychia, xanthonychia, thickening of the proximal portion of the nail plate, and multiple generations of nail plate. Note apparent adhesion of the plate to the lateral horns
Figure 5
Figure 5
Ultrasound longitudinal view of the hallux distal phalanx dorsal aspect. A - Retronychia, showing 3 overlapping nail plates* (PNF: proximal nail fold). B - Normal nail unit in the contralateral hallux, (PNF: proximal nail fold; DNF: distal nail fold; * dorsal and ventral nail plates; + inter-plate space)
Figure 6
Figure 6
A - Preoperative view. B - After proximal avulsion of the nail

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