Brittle nails

Nail brittleness is a common complaint characterized by weak inelastic nails that split, flake and crumble. It may be a consequence of factors that alter nail plate production and/or factors that damage the already keratinised nail plate. It is often idiopathic. It can also be caused by many dermatological and systemic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, drugs and traumas. Environmental and occupational factors that produce progressive dehydration of the nail plate have an important role in nail brittleness. Treatment of brittle nails is often difficult. Preventative measures, together with oral supplementation of vitamins (especially biotin), oligo-elements and amino acids, can be useful in improving nail strength. Cosmetic treatment affords camouflage and a degree of protection.

Onycholysis and subungual haemorrhages secondary to systemic chemotherapy (paclitaxel)

Paclitaxel is a chemotherapic agent of the taxane family used in treatment of malignant solid tumory. We report here the case of a 40-year old woman referred to our clinic for nail changes involving all 20 digits and developed after 5 months of paclitaxel intake, due to a breast carcinoma. Clinical examination revealed red-brown discoloration of the nails associated with hematomas and onycholysis. The nail changes were very painful and the patient complained of discharge of bad-smelling yellow brown opaque fluid from underneath the nail plate. Hemorrhagic onycholysis and subungual abscesses are a possible side effect of taxane treatment that should be early recognized to prevent serious complications.

Taxane-induced nail changes: incidence, clinical presentation and outcome

The clinical characteristics of nail changes in seven patients receiving taxane-containing chemotherapy are described. They include nail pigmentation, subungual hematoma, Beau's lines and onycholysis and subungual suppuration. The incidence of such changes (ranging from 0% to 44%) is reviewed from a Medline search of the literature.

Systemic itraconazole in the yellow nail syndrome

Although a number of treatments have been reported to be effective with yellow nail syndrome (YNS), vitamin E at high doses is the only one that has been successfully utilized in a consistent number of patients affected by YNS. Recent data indicate that itraconazole pulse regimen may be effective in this disease. We report our experience with itraconazole treatment in patients affected by YNS. Systemic itraconazole was administered in eight patients (five males and three females; mean age 55.2 years), at a dosage of 400 mg daily for 1 week a month for 6 months. Nail growth was measured every 3 months. Complete cure was achieved in two of eight patients, with mild improvement in two and no improvement in four. The results of our study show that itraconazole cannot be considered effective for YNS, especially if compared with vitamin E, the efficacy and tolerability of which is already proven.

Evaluation of sexual function in subjects taking finasteride for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

BACKGROUND

Our practical experience indicates that sexual side-effects in subjects taking finasteride 1 mg (Propecia) for androgenetic alopecia are much less common than reported in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the sexual function in subjects taking finasteride (1 mg) compared with age-matched controls using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).

METHODS

The IIEF, a brief, reliable questionnaire, was self-administered to 236 patients taking Propecia and 236 age-matched males attending the Department of Dermatology of the University of Bologna.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis showed no differences between scores obtained with the IIEF in subjects taking finasteride and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The sexual and erectile function of subjects taking finasteride does not significantly differ from that of age-matched controls. This is consistent with the experience of many dermatologists who do not see sexual or erectile dysfunction in patients taking Propecia.

Nail lichen planus in children: clinical features, response to treatment, and long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To report clinical features, response to treatment, and long-term follow-up of nail lichen planus in children.

DESIGN

Retrospective study involving 15 children with nail lichen planus.

SETTING

Outpatient consultation for nail disorders at the Department of Dermatology of the University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

We diagnosed nail lichen planus in 15 children younger than 12 years, including 10 children with typical nail matrix lesions, 2 children with 20-nail dystrophy (trachyonychia), and 3 children with idiopathic atrophy of the nails. Only 2 of the 15 children had oral lichen planus; none had cutaneous lesions. A nail biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in all cases.

INTERVENTION

Intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide, 0.5 to 1 mg/kg per month, was prescribed to children with typical nail lichen planus and prolonged from 3 to 6 months until the proximal half of the nail was normal. No treatment was prescribed to patients with 20-nail dystrophy or idiopathic atrophy of the nails.

RESULTS

Treatment with systemic corticosteroids was effective in curing typical nail lichen planus. Two children experienced a recurrence of the disease during the follow-up. Recurrences were always responsive to therapy. The 2 children with 20-nail dystrophy improved without any therapy. Nail lesions caused by idiopathic atrophy of the nails remained unchanged during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Nail lichen planus in children is not rare but probably underestimated. It often presents with atypical clinical features such as 20-nail dystrophy or idiopathic atrophy of the nails.

Pustular psoriasis of the nails: treatment and long-term follow-up of 46 patients

BACKGROUND

Pustular psoriasis of the nail apparatus is a common disease that greatly influences the quality of life because of its chronic course and poor response to treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To review the clinical and histopathological features, the response to treatment and the long-term follow-up of 46 patients with pustular psoriasis of the nail unit.

METHODS

Treatments utilized included oral retinoids (n = 12), oral nimesulide (n = 13), topical calcipotriol (n = 15) and topical steroids (n = 18). Retinoids were utilized as first choice in seven patients with involvement of several digits and in five patients with severe relapses, whereas topical calcipotriol, oral nimesulide or topical steroids were utilized in patients with involvement of a single nail. Topical calcipotriol was also prescribed as maintenance therapy in patients who responded to oral treatment. Twenty-five patients were followed for more than 5 years.

RESULTS

Improvement or regression of the lesions was obtained in 23 of 46 patients. Retinoids were effective in six of 12 patients, nimesulide in four of 13, topical calcipotriol in nine of 15 and topical steroids in four of 18. The long-term follow-up showed a complete remission of the disease in only two patients, both affected by pustular psoriasis involving multiple nails. All other patients experienced periodic relapses which were in most cases controlled by regular use of topical calcipotriol.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe cases of pustular psoriasis of the nail are best treated with systemic retinoids. Topical calcipotriol is effective in about 50% of patients with localized disorder and is also useful as maintenance therapy after retinoid treatment.

Hair diameter diversity: a clinical sign reflecting the follicle miniaturization

BACKGROUND

The degree of androgenetic alopecia is generally evaluated either by global clinical scales or time-consuming methods like phototrichogram or histological studies. We describe a new clinical and reliable scoring method based on hair diameter diversity.

OBSERVATIONS

(1) The clinical macroscopic scoring we propose for hair density was significantly correlated with Hamilton classification and with histological hair density. (2) Diversity in hair diameter was the main and most accurate clinical parameter linked to follicle miniaturization. (C) The anagen-telogen ratio decreased in parallel with the decrease in clinical hair density score.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering that hair follicle miniaturization is the key point during androgenic alopecia onset and development, diversity in hair diameter represents an important feature to consider as an accurate clinical sign reflecting hair follicle miniaturization. Moreover, diversity in hair diameter seems to be an easily accessible and reliable parameter that should be taken into consideration for further characterization of hair disorders. By itself, we believe that this clinical feature constitutes a new tool of substantial help for the diagnosis and management of androgenic alopecia.

Warts of the nail unit: surgical and nonsurgical approaches

BACKGROUND

Warts are the most common nail tumor and mostly affect children and young adults. Periungual warts are usually due to HPV-1, 2, and 4. Development of periungual warts is favored by maceration and trauma, especially nail biting.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the biology, clinical features, and medical and surgical treatment of periungual warts.

METHODS

Review of the literature and personal experience.

RESULTS

The natural course of warts makes aggressive approaches restricted to selected cases. Medical treatments, usually topical, include keratolytic agents, virucidal agents, and immunomodulators. All choices have been utilized successfully, but keratolytic agents are the best first-line approach. Surgical treatments include cryotherapy, surgical excision, electrosurgery, infrared coagulation, localized heating with a radio-frequency heat generator and laser therapy, especially the Er:YAG laser, which has an excellent safety profile.

CONCLUSIONS

Definitive cure is not guaranteed by any therapy and periungual warts can recur and become larger after correct treatment.

Telogen effluvium after allergic contact dermatitis of the scalp

OBJECTIVE

After observing 2 cases of acute telogen effluvium induced by allergic contact dermatitis to hair dyes, we decided to evaluate the effects of acute contact dermatitis of the scalp on the hair cycle.

DESIGN

Single-center, 6-month study of consecutive patients affected by acute scalp dermatitis.

SETTING

Department of Dermatology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.

PATIENTS

Diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis of the scalp was confirmed by patch testing. Eight women presenting with acute contact dermatitis of the scalp entered the study. Hair shedding was evaluated monthly for 6 months by pull test and wash test. Increased hair loss was detected in 4 of the 7 patients who completed the study. Hair loss was mild to moderate and appeared 2 to 4 months after the episode of scalp dermatitis. A scalp biopsy specimen from 2 patients confirmed the diagnosis of telogen effluvium.

CONCLUSIONS

Allergic contact dermatitis of the scalp should be included among the possible causes of telogen effluvium. The pathogenesis of telogen effluvium caused by contact dermatitis is unknown but may be related to cytokine release during the inflammatory process.

Onychomatricoma: report of three cases, including the first recognized in a colored man

Onychomatricoma is an uncommon benign tumor of the nail matrix with typical clinical features. We report here 3 cases of onychomatricoma, including the first case in a black patient. In all three patients a presumptive diagnosis of onychomatricoma was made by clinical examination. The affected nails were thickened and showed a marked overcurvature of the nail plate. Frontal view of the nail revealed the presence of small woodworm-like cavities within the nail plate. In all cases the pathology showed multiple fibroepithelial projections that extended into the thickened nail plate. The tumor epithelium was identical to that of the normal nail matrix and keratinized without a granular layer.

Congenital hypertrophy of the lateral nail folds of the hallux: clinical features and follow-up of seven cases

Congenital hypertrophy of the nail folds of the hallux describes an abnormality of the periungual soft tissues of the big toe characterized by hypertrophy of the nail fold which partially covers the nail plate and is frequently associated with inflammation and pain due to an ingrowing nail. We describe the clinical picture and follow-up of seven patients with this abnormality. In three patients the affected toe showed an asymptomatic, dome-shaped, hypertrophic lip that partially covered the nail plate. Four patients had acute inflammatory changes due to toenail ingrowth, with considerable swelling and reddening of the hypertrophic lip that was painful on pressure. Topical treatment with steroids was useful to reduce inflammation and produced persistent remission in two patients. Follow-up showed a spontaneous disappearance of the hypertrophic nail fold in one of the seven patients. In two patients the hypertrophic lip partially regressed, but remained clearly visible, while in two patients it remained unchanged. In two patients surgical correction of the soft tissue abnormality was necessary due to painful nail ingrowth unresponsive to topical treatment.

Relapses of onychomycosis after successful treatment with systemic antifungals: a three-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Data about relapses of onychomycosis after treatment with the new systemic antifungals vary among the different studies, with figures ranging from 3 to 20% for terbinafine and from 21 to 27% for itraconazole, depending on the follow-up duration.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of relapses of onychomycosis cured by terbinafine compared with that of onychomycosis cured by itraconazole.

METHODS

We followed up 47 patients whose toenail onychomycosis had been mycologically cured in an open randomized study comparing intermittent itraconazole treatment with continuous terbinafine treatment and intermittent terbinafine therapy. Patients were examined every 3 months for up to 3 years after the end of therapy. At each visit clinical and mycologic (direct microscopy and cultures) evaluations were performed.

RESULTS

Eight of the 36 patients (22.2%) who completed the study had a relapse of onychomycosis during the follow-up period, including 2 patients of the terbinafine 250 mg group, 2 patients of the terbinafine 500 mg group and 4 patients in the itraconazole 400 mg group. As the original infection, the relapse was caused in all cases by Trichophyton rubrum.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that 22.2% of patients with onychomycosis successfully treated with systemic antifungals experienced a relapse. The relapse rate increased from 8. 3% at month 12 to 19.4% at month 24 and to 22.2% at month 36. Relapses were more common in patients treated with pulse itraconazole (4/11) than in patients treated with continuous (2/12) or intermittent (2/13) terbinafine. Statistical analysis did not reveal any significant difference between relapse rates in the three groups.

Treatment of common nail disorders

Treatment of nail diseases is not always easy; topical treatment is often ineffective because the nail plate is not penetrated by topical drugs, and the nail matrix is located under the proximal nail fold. The most frequent nail disorders are nail psoriasis and onychomycosis. In these cases, systemic treatment is often necessary to cure the nail changes. Systemic treatment with steroids is mandatory for patients with nail lichen planus because the disease may cause definitive destruction of the nail matrix. Environmental nail abnormalities are frequent and include nail brittleness, onycholysis, and chronic paronychia. Preventive measures should always be associated with treatment in these cases.

Onychomycosis caused by nondermatophytic molds: clinical features and response to treatment of 59 cases

BACKGROUND

Nail invasion by nondermatophytic molds (NDM) is considered uncommon with prevalence rates ranging from 1.45% to 17. 6%.

OBJECTIVE

We report the clinical features and response to treatment of onychomycosis caused by these molds.

METHODS

From 1995 through 1998 we performed a mycologic study on 1548 patients affected by nail disorders, and we diagnosed 431 cases of onychomycosis including 59 cases of onychomycosis caused by molds. These include 17 patients with onychomycosis caused by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, 26 patients with onychomycosis caused by Fusarium sp, 9 patients with onychomycosis caused by Acremonium sp, and 7 patients with onychomycosis caused by Aspergillus sp.

RESULTS

Onychomycosis caused by S brevicaulis, Fusarium sp, and Aspergillus sp may often be suspected by clinical examination. In fact 38 of 50 patients with onychomycosis resulting from these molds were affected by proximal subungual onychomycosis associated with inflammation of the proximal nailfold. In our experience mold onychomycosis is not significantly associated with systemic diseases or immunodepression. NDM are difficult to eradicate; by using and combining different treatments (systemic itraconazole, systemic terbinafine, topical terbinafine after nail plate avulsion, and ciclopirox nail lacquer) we were able to cure only 69.2% of patients with S brevicaulis onychomycosis, 71.4% of patients with Acremonium onychomycosis, and 40% of patients with Fusarium onychomycosis. Aspergillus onychomycosis, on the other hand, responded very well to therapy and all our patients were cured after systemic or topical treatment. Eradication of the mold produced a complete cure of the nail abnormalities in all the patients who responded to treatment.

CONCLUSION

Clinical examination usually suggests diagnosis of onychomycosis resulting from NDM. Topical treatment can be more successful than systemic therapy to cure onychomycosis caused by S brevicaulis, Fusarium sp, and Acremonium sp.

Acquired progressive kinking of the hair: clinical features, pathological study, and follow-up of 7 patients

BACKGROUND

Acquired progressive kinking of the hair (APKH) is a relatively rare condition, with fewer than 20 cases reported in the literature. Whether APKH is a separate entity or a variety of androgenetic alopecia is still controversial. This study reviews the clinical and pathological features and long-term follow-up of 7 patients with APKH.

OBSERVATIONS

Since January 1989, we have diagnosed APKH in 7 males aged 15 to 22 years. All patients had strong family history for androgenetic alopecia. Hair kinking affected the frontotemporal region and/or the vertex where the hair appeared curly, frizzy, and lusterless. The pathological features of the affected scalp were consistent with the diagnosis of the early stages of androgenetic alopecia. In all patients, APKH evolved into androgenetic alopecia during the follow-up period. Mean follow-up was 4.5 years (range, 2-9 years). Treatment with topical minoxidil did not prevent development of hair thinning in the scalp areas affected by hair kinking.

CONCLUSIONS

The term acquired progressive kinking of the hair encompasses a number of conditions characterized by acquired curling of the scalp hair. Acquired hair kinking on the androgen-dependent areas of the scalp represents a modality of onset of androgenetic alopecia associated with poor prognosis.

Drug-induced nail disorders: incidence, management and prognosis

A large number of drugs of different classes, ranging from antibacterials to chemotherapeutic agents to psoralens, can be responsible for the development of nail changes. Drug-induced nail changes usually involve several or all 20 nails and appear in temporal correlation with drug intake. Some nail changes are asymptomatic and only cause cosmetic problems, while others cause pain and discomfort and impair manual activities or deambulation. Drug-induced nail abnormalities are usually transitory and disappear with drug withdrawal, but sometimes persist in time. The pathogenesis of the nail changes is usually a toxic effect of the drug on the different nail constituents, but other mechanisms can be involved. Drugs that are well known to produce nail abnormalities include cancer chemotherapeutic agents, psoralens, retinoids, tetracyclines, antimalarials and zidovudine. Arsenic poisoning is also always associated with nail changes that have medico-legal importance. Some drugs taken during pregnancy may impair nail development of the fetus, and nail hypoplasia or other nail dystrophies will be evident in the newborn.

Paronychia associated with antiretroviral therapy

We report six HIV patients who developed painful periungual inflammation of several nails during treatment with the antiretroviral drugs indinavir and lamivudine. The lesions appeared 2-12 months after starting treatment. The occurrence of paronychia in HIV patients has recently been reported in two groups of patients receiving either indinavir or lamivudine. Dermatologists should be aware of this recently reported and probably not uncommon side-effect of antiretroviral treatment in order to avoid an invasive approach to the nail lesions.

"Endonyx" onychomycosis: a new modality of nail invasion by dermatophytes

Three patients with onychomycosis due to Trichophyton soudanense with an "endonyx" type of nail invasion are presented. Endonyx onychomycosis is clinically characterized by a diffuse milky-white discolouration of the affected nail, in the absence of nail bed hyperkeratosis or onycholysis. Nail plate surface and nail thickness are normal. The pathology shows a contrast between the great number of fungal hyphae visible in the nail plate and the absence of fungal elements in the nail bed. The nail bed does not show inflammatory changes or hyperkeratosis and adheres strictly to the lowermost layers of the nail plate. The hyponychium is normal and does not contain hyphae. The endonyx pattern of nail infection appears to be specific to T. soudanense nail invasion and may possibly reflect the high affinity of T. soudanense to hard keratins.