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Review
. 2020 Jan;33(1):20-26.
doi: 10.1097/01.ASW.0000613536.27194.3c.

A Review of Nail Dystrophies for the Practitioner

Andrew Bloom, Brandon Blanken, Brandon Schlakman, Tom Arena, Zachary Mironov, Tracey C Vlahovic
Review

A Review of Nail Dystrophies for the Practitioner

Andrew Bloom et al. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2020 Jan.

Abstract

General purpose: To provide information about nail pathology from its clinical presentation, pathophysiologic origin, clinical diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and treatment.

Target audience: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, NPs, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

Learning objectives/outcomes: After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:1. Review the etiology of and risk factors for the various types of nail pathology.2. Describe the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of the various types of nail pathology.

Abstract: Nail pathology has a range of etiologies, from biomechanical trauma to systemic associations. Within this review, nail pathology is examined from a clinical presentation, pathophysiologic origin, clinical diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and treatment standpoint. Nail dystrophy reveals both systemic and exogenous pathology, reinforcing the value of assessing nails during the medical examination.

Plain language summary

Nail pathology has a range of etiologies, from biomechanical trauma to systemic associations. Within this review, nail pathology is examined from a clinical presentation, pathophysiologic origin, clinical diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and treatment standpoint. Nail dystrophy reveals both systemic and exogenous pathology, reinforcing the value of assessing nails during the medical examination.

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References

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