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Related Concept Videos

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails01:05

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails

Nails are one of the important accessory structures of the skin. They are hard, protective structures that cover the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of fingers and toes. Nails are composed of specialized keratinized cells and serve various functions, including protection, sensation, and manual dexterity.
The main components of a nail include the following.
Nail Plate: The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertips or toes. It is a hard, translucent...

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Human expertise or artificial intelligence? A prospective study on nail disorder diagnosis.

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Perioperative management in nail surgery: An international Delphi consensus statement.

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Nail unit squamous cell carcinoma: A multicenter, retrospective study of the clinical and morphologic characteristics of 261 patients.

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[Diagnosis and management of dermatophyte onychomycosis].

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Harpoon Nail: An Update on the Classification of New Variant of Ingrowing Toenail.

Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]·2026

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Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy
05:06

Non-Invasive Visualization of Nailbed Microvascular Morphology in Mice Using Capillaroscopy

Published on: February 28, 2025

New tools in nail disorders.

Bertrand Richert1, Nadine Lateur, Anne Theunis

  • 1Dermatology Department, University of Liège, Belgium. bertrand.richert@skynet.be

Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
|April 4, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Diagnosing nail conditions like melanoma and onychomycosis is challenging. New techniques in dermoscopy, biopsy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offer improved early detection and diagnosis for nail disorders.

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatology and Pathology
  • Oncology
  • Forensic Science

Background:

  • Nail unit tumors and disorders present diagnostic challenges due to the nail plate's screening effect.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and patient outcomes.
  • Existing diagnostic methods can be subjective or invasive.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review emerging diagnostic techniques for nail unit tumors and disorders.
  • To highlight advancements in early melanoma detection and minimally invasive biopsy methods.
  • To discuss novel approaches for diagnosing onychomycosis and forensic nail analysis.

Main Methods:

  • In vivo matrix dermoscopy and immunohistochemistry for melanoma diagnosis.
  • Shave biopsy technique for tissue sparing.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for onychomycosis detection.
  • Development of severity indexes for nail dystrophy.
  • Forensic analysis of nail clippings for drug and environmental exposure.

Main Results:

  • New techniques show promise for early and accurate diagnosis of nail conditions.
  • In vivo matrix dermoscopy and immunohistochemistry aid in early melanoma detection.
  • PCR offers a rapid and accurate method for onychomycosis diagnosis, though cost remains a barrier.
  • Forensic analysis provides a non-invasive method for detecting drug use and pollution exposure.

Conclusions:

  • Advancements in diagnostic tools are improving the management of nail unit tumors and disorders.
  • Minimally invasive techniques and molecular diagnostics are key areas of progress.
  • Continued research and accessibility of new technologies are vital for clinical practice.