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Case Reports
. 2021 Aug;7(5):373-376.
doi: 10.1159/000515185. Epub 2021 Jul 13.

Treatment of Nail Fold Hypertrophy by Combining Conservative Techniques

Renata Brandão Villa Verde  1 , Joaquín Felipe Ramirez-Oliveros  1 , Heloisa Maria Takamitsu  1 , Andreia Pizarro Leverone  1 , Robertha Carvalho Nakamura  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Treatment of Nail Fold Hypertrophy by Combining Conservative Techniques

Renata Brandão Villa Verde et al. Skin Appendage Disord. 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertrophy of the nail folds is a common condition. It occurs by alteration of shape, partial loss, or absence of the nail, resulting in loss of the nail fold physiological limit. This can also occur by the friction of the nail with the nail fold. Consequently, there is an increase in the volume of the lateral or distal nail fold and a decrease in the space of the nail bed and the nail plate. Management of this onychodystrophy may be conservative or surgical.

Case presentation: We present a case of distal nail embedding after trauma, submitted to conservative treatment. Combined techniques were required as trichloroacetic acid application, rolled cotton padding maneuver, artificial resin nail technique, and orthesis. After 14 months, good functional and aesthetic results were obtained, with correction of the anatomical shape of the nail unit.

Conclusion: The conservative techniques for hypertrophy of the nail folds are a useful option with good functional and aesthetic results. The indication must be precise, considering the history of the patient and after discarding bone alterations by image exams. The disadvantage of the method is the long treatment time and constant visits to the doctor's office.

Keywords: Conservative treatment; Hypertrophy; Nail diseases; Nail fold; Therapy treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Hypertrophy of the nail folds. Nail plate with increased transverse curvature − dorsal image. Treatment proposal: use of 70% TCA in the hypertrophy lateral − distal edges (blue).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Hypertrophy of the nail folds. Nail plate with upward directing − lateral image. Treatment proposal: use of 70% TCA in the region distal to the nail bed (red).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Hypertrophy of the nail folds − rolled cotton padding maneuver and orthesis.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Hypertrophy of the nail folds − before treatment.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Hypertrophy of the nail folds − after treatment with good functional and aesthetic result after 14 months.
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