Osteoma cutis masquerading as an ingrowing toenail: a case report

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Orthopedics
• Podiatry

Background:

• Osteoma cutis of the foot is exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases.
• Ingrown toenails (onychocryptosis) are common, affecting an estimated 10,000 new cases annually in the UK, often managed non-operatively.

Observation:

• A unique case is presented where osteoma cutis mimicked the clinical presentation of an ingrown toenail.
• This highlights the importance of considering rare bony cutaneous lesions in the differential diagnosis.

Findings:

• Osteoma cutis can present insidiously, resembling more common conditions like ingrown toenails.
• The study emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation to differentiate between benign/malignant bony lesions and common foot ailments.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider osteoma cutis in the differential diagnosis of suspected ingrown toenails, particularly when non-operative treatment is contemplated.
• Accurate diagnosis of cutaneous bony lesions is vital for effective management and to avoid misdiagnosis of common conditions.