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Microscopy of Common Nail Cosmetics.

Katelyn A Zimmer1, Tiffany Clay, Claudia I Vidal

  • 1*Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO; and†Dermatology Affiliates, Atlanta, GA.

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Summary

Nail cosmetics like polish and stickers can be identified microscopically in nail clippings. Most nail adornments survive fixation, appearing as distinct layers separate from the nail plate.

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatopathology
  • Nail Biology
  • Cosmetic Science

Background:

  • Microscopic evaluation of nail clippings is crucial for diagnosing nail diseases.
  • Clinical history regarding nail cosmetics is often missing, potentially affecting diagnosis.
  • Understanding the microscopic appearance of nail adornments is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the microscopic characteristics of common nail cosmetics after standard histological processing.
  • To determine if nail cosmetics interfere with standard nail pathology diagnostic methods.
  • To identify distinguishing features of cosmetic nail enhancements.

Main Methods:

  • Six types of nail cosmetics were applied to volunteer nail plates.
  • Nail specimens with and without cosmetics were subjected to standard formalin fixation and processing.
  • Microscopic examination, including polarization and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, was performed.

Main Results:

  • Most cosmetic nail enhancements, except sticker appliqués, survived the fixation process.
  • Glitter nail polish was the only cosmetic found to be polarizable.
  • No surviving cosmetic specimens tested positive with PAS staining.
  • Cosmetic nail enhancements were microscopically distinct, appearing as inorganic layers atop the nail plate.
  • Two main microscopic patterns (2-layer and 3-layer) were observed in the specimens.

Conclusions:

  • Cosmetic nail enhancements are generally distinguishable from the nail plate during microscopic examination.
  • The presence of nail cosmetics does not appear to interfere with PAS staining of the nail plate.
  • Specific microscopic features, such as layering and polarizability, can aid in identifying nail adornments.