ONYCHODYSTROPHIES IN PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY

Nail diseases in children have a specificity and course that differ from those in adults. They include both infection-associated and inflammatory processes. Pediatric nail disorders may be the first sign of a specific syndrome or systemic disorder. Some types of onychodystrophies may represent a later complication of previous infections.

Identification of the causes, course and clinical specificity of acquired onychodystrophies in children.

Data on 47 patients aged 3-12 years referred to the National Center of Dermatology and Venereology were processed. Microscopic and cultural examinations were used to identify the etiological cause; Structural changes and specific abnormalities of the nails were fully evaluated using a digital dermoscope.

The diagnoses of the examined patients were divided into the following groups: trachyonychia (9/19.1%), onychomadesis (11/23.4%), Beau's line (4/8.5%), onychoschizia (2/4.3%), onychomycosis (6/12.8%), and nail disorders associated with paronychia (15/31.9%). Multiple nail disorders were detected in 33 (70.2%) cases; single nail disorders in 14 (29.8%) patients; Dystrophies of the fingernails were detected in 31 (66%) patients; dystrophies of the toenails in 5 (10.6%) cases; dystrophies of the fingernails and toenails in 11 (23.4%) cases.

The clinical features of pediatric onychodystrophies are predominantly determined by pathological changes in the matrix. The majority of pathologies manifest as multiple nail disorders, with predominant damage to the fingernails and are characterized by a benign course. The late hand, foot, and mouth disease complications (onychomadesis; Beau's line) are self-limited and do not require specific treatment. In the case of disorders associated with infections, management is based on the treatment of the underlying pathology and the prognosis is also favorable.