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Nails in systemic disease
Charlotte E Gollins1, David de Berker2
1University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK.
Clinical Medicine (London, England)
|May 18, 2021
Summary
Nail changes like alterations in color, size, shape, or texture can signal underlying systemic diseases. Recognizing these nail signs aids in diagnosing and managing patients with general medical conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Internal Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Nails serve as a window to a patient's overall health.
- Changes in nail appearance can be early indicators of systemic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common and rare nail changes associated with systemic diseases.
- To highlight the diagnostic and management utility of nail examination in general medicine.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of common and rare nail changes.
- Correlation of nail findings with specific systemic diseases.
- Clinical case examples illustrating diagnostic value.
Main Results:
- Specific nail alterations are linked to various systemic diseases including cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and autoimmune conditions.
- Rare nail changes can indicate less common but serious underlying pathologies.
- Nail examination can provide crucial diagnostic clues.
Conclusions:
- Systematic examination of fingernails and toenails is essential in clinical practice.
- Nail changes offer valuable insights for diagnosing and managing systemic diseases.
- Further research into specific nail-disease correlations is warranted.
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