Idiopathic familial onychomadesis
A Mehra1, R J Murphy, B B Wilson
1Department of Dermatology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|July 20, 2000
Summary
Idiopathic onychomadesis, a nail disorder, can occur in families. This case study highlights a mother and daughter experiencing recurrent nail shedding without an identifiable cause, suggesting a potential genetic link.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Onychomadesis is nail plate separation from the nail bed.
- It is linked to systemic illnesses, skin diseases, and medications.
Observation:
- A healthy 12-year-old girl and her mother presented with recurrent onychomadesis.
- Multiple digits were affected in both individuals.
Findings:
- The familial occurrence of onychomadesis was observed.
- No underlying disease or medication was identified as a cause.
Implications:
- This case suggests a possible hereditary component to idiopathic onychomadesis.
- Further research into genetic factors for nail disorders is warranted.
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