Nail dystrophy due to toe malposition in children

Correct diagnosis of nail disorders could be difficult for a non-trained eye, especially in children. For this reason, sometimes, probative diagnosis and treatment are the outcome of a consultation. This paper wants to underline how podiatric abnormalities should be considered possible causes of nail disorders in children and how they need an appropriate, most of the time non-medical, treatment in order to avoid future complications.

Physicians should be aware of this possibility and refer these patients to a dermatologist or a podiatrist for a correct management. What is known: • Diagnosis and treatment of nail disorders in children could be difficult. • Differential diagnosis should be as much accurate as possible in order to avoid unnecessary and possible harmful treatments. What is new: • Podiatric abnormalities should not be underestimated. • Podiatric abnormalities should be considered as potential causes of nail abnormalities in children.