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The nail apparatus in collagen disorders.
1Istituto di Clinica Dermatologicá, Dell'Universita di Bologna, Italy.
Seminars in Dermatology
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Nail changes are common in collagen disorders like systemic sclerosis and lupus. Examining the proximal nail fold can reveal characteristic alterations, aiding in early diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Collagen vascular diseases encompass a range of systemic autoimmune conditions.
- Nail apparatus alterations are frequently observed in patients with these disorders.
- The proximal nail fold is a critical area for identifying specific nail changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nail apparatus modifications in various collagen disorders.
- To highlight the diagnostic significance of nail unit changes.
- To describe characteristic findings on nail fold capillary microscopy.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on nail changes in collagen diseases.
- Clinical examination of the nail apparatus, focusing on the proximal nail fold.
- Capillary microscopy of the proximal nail fold.
Main Results:
- Common nail changes include erythema, telangiectasia, and visualization of capillary loops.
- Hemorrhages and focal necrosis in the nail fold are also noted.
- Specific nail fold capillary microscopy abnormalities characterize individual collagen disorders.
Conclusions:
- Nail unit alterations are significant indicators of underlying collagen disorders.
- Careful clinical examination of the nails and capillary microscopy are essential diagnostic tools.
- Proximal nail fold assessment provides crucial clues for diagnosing systemic sclerosis, lupus erythematosus, and other connective tissue diseases.