[Surgical interventions of the nail organ]

The nails are the largest appendage of the skin. They provide protection of the tactile regions of the fingers; moreover, well cared-for nails are an attribute of beauty. Operations of the nails should, therefore, regard both functional and cosmetic aspects. Surgical procedures are indicated in the case of nail deformities, bacterial or mycotic infections, as well as pigmentation of the nail wall or plate, and periungual or subungual tumors, which are always suspicious of malignant melanoma. All operations of the nail region can be performed in Oberst's anesthesia. We recommend the preoperative application of a tourniquet to stop the blood flow.