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Diagnostic applications of nail clippings
Sasha Stephen1, Antonella Tosti2, Adam I Rubin3
1Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce Street, 2 Maloney, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Dermatologic Clinics
|April 2, 2015
Summary
Nail clipping is a valuable diagnostic tool for various nail diseases. This method aids in identifying conditions like onychomycosis and nail psoriasis, offering practical insights for clinicians.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Histopathology
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Nail unit dermatoses encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the nail and surrounding structures.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment of nail disorders.
- Nail clipping offers a minimally invasive method for obtaining diagnostic specimens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the practical approach, utility, and histologic findings of nail clipping for diagnosing various nail unit dermatoses.
- To highlight the application of nail clipping in evaluating conditions such as onychomycosis, nail unit psoriasis, onychomatricoma, subungual hematoma, and melanonychia.
- To discuss the forensic applications and optimize specimen collection and processing for nail clipping analysis.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature and clinical experience regarding nail clipping technique.
- Histologic examination of nail clippings for diagnostic purposes.
- Consideration of specimen collection, processing, and special stains.
Main Results:
- Nail clipping is effective for diagnosing numerous nail unit dermatoses, including fungal infections and inflammatory conditions.
- Histologic evaluation of nail clippings provides crucial diagnostic information.
- The technique is also applicable in forensic investigations and assessment of nail cosmetics.
Conclusions:
- Nail clipping is an indispensable, simple, and versatile procedure for assessing nail unit dermatoses.
- Optimized collection and processing enhance the diagnostic yield of nail clippings.
- Clinicians can gain greater understanding and ease in applying this procedure for improved patient care.
Keywords:
MelanonychiaNail clippingNail cosmeticsNail pathologyNail psoriasisOnychomatricomaOnychomycosisSubungual hematomaMore Related Videos
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