Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 29, 2025

Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
Papillomatosis cutis lymphostatica and 'Ski-Jump' nails
Dillon Mintoff1, Alexandra Betts2, Susan Aquilina1
1Department of Dermatology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta.
Papillomatosis cutis lymphostatica, a rare skin condition linked to lymphedema, may be indicated by persistent plaques and distinctive "ski-jump" nails. Recognizing these signs aids in timely diagnosis of this uncommon disorder.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Papillomatosis cutis lymphostatica is an uncommon dermatological condition.
- It is frequently associated with underlying lymphedema.
- Diagnostic signs can be subtle and easily overlooked.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic significance of "ski-jump" nails.
- To emphasize the association between papillomatosis cutis lymphostatica and lymphedema.
- To guide clinicians in suspecting the diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation and case review.
- Dermatological examination focusing on nail and skin morphology.
- Correlation of clinical findings with lymphedema status.
Main Results:
- "Ski-jump" nails (upward sloping concave nails) are identified as a key diagnostic sign.
- Persistent, bland papilliform plaques are characteristic skin findings.
- The presence of both features strongly suggests papillomatosis cutis lymphostatica in lymphedema patients.
Conclusions:
- "Ski-jump" nails are an important, often overlooked, diagnostic marker for papillomatosis cutis lymphostatica.
- Suspect papillomatosis cutis lymphostatica in patients with persistent plaques and "ski-jump" nails, especially if lymphedema is present.
More Related Videos
04:12Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate DMBA-TPA
Published on: December 19, 2019
09:37Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition
Published on: August 18, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen...
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails
The main components of a nail include the following.
Nail Plate: The nail plate is the visible portion of the nail that extends beyond the fingertips or toes. It is a hard, translucent...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
Reticular Dermis
Reticular Layer
Underlying the papillary layer is the much thicker reticular layer, composed of dense, irregular connective...