Pincer Nail Deformity in an African American Patient Corrected by Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser

Pincer nail deformity is a painful nail condition characterized by excessive transverse curvature of the nail plate that pinches the surrounding tissue. Treatments such as nail braces and surgical interventions are commonly used, however, these approaches often fall short of providing consistent, long-term relief. Fractionated carbon dioxide laser therapy (fCO2), which precisely targets the nail matrix, has emerged as a less invasive option to correct nail deformities. Treating patients with skin of color poses several challenges due to the higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and scarring. Herein, we describe a case of a 78-year-old African American woman (Fitzpatrick V) with long-standing pincer nail deformity treated with fCO2 laser therapy, with nail defect improvement. This case underscores fCO2 laser therapy as an effective option for pincer nail deformity in skin of color, particularly notable due to its rare occurrence in the fingernails.