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Brittle nail syndrome: a pathogenesis-based approach with a proposed grading system
Peter C M van de Kerkhof1, Marcel C Pasch, Richard K Scher
1Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre St Radboud Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|October 4, 2005
Summary
Brittle nail syndrome, a common nail disorder, causes nail fragility and impacts daily life. Understanding its causes and features is key to developing effective treatments for this widespread condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Nail Biology
Background:
- Brittle nail syndrome (BNS) affects 20% of the population, predominantly women.
- It presents as a significant cosmetic issue, causing pain and impairing daily activities and occupational abilities.
- Pathogenic factors include impaired corneocyte adhesion (onychschizia) and nail matrix involvement (onychorrhexis).
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize brittle nail syndrome.
- To present a scoring system for BNS features.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting pathogenic factors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of BNS.
- Clinical feature analysis.
- Development of a scoring system.
- Discussion of therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- BNS is characterized by onychoschizia and onychorrhexis.
- A scoring system for BNS key features is proposed.
- Therapeutic approaches are discussed based on pathogenic factors.
Conclusions:
- Brittle nails significantly impact quality of life.
- Further research into quality of life impairment is warranted.
- Targeted therapies for BNS are essential.