Swelling of the proximal nail fold caused by underlying warts

We report on 2 cases of patients with warts underlying the proximal nail fold which presented as tender erythematous nodules. The remarkable feature in both cases was a significant oedema of the proximal nail fold, resembling a reaction to a foreign body. One patient responded well to mild keratolytic treatment. The second patient was treated surgically with crescentic excision of the distal portion of the proximal nail fold. It is important to recognise this tumour variant in order to avoid unnecessary or excessive intervention.