Shoreline Nails: A New Nail Sign of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Viral Infections

Background:

• The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to the identification of various nail unit changes associated with infection.
• Cutaneous manifestations of viral infections are increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique nail finding observed in patients following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To investigate the potential association of this nail change with the Koebner phenomenon.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a novel nail finding in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Clinical observation of nail morphology within one month of infection and RT-PCR positivity.

Main Results:

• A unique, abrupt proximal superficial nail plate change, described as "shoreline nails," was observed.
• The finding occurred within one month of SARS-CoV-2 infection and RT-PCR confirmation.

Conclusions:

• "Shoreline nails" represent a potential new nail manifestation associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• This nail change may be a manifestation of the Koebner phenomenon in individuals predisposed to lichen planus.