Nail pathology is a “big world” where we can include a variety of nail diseases derived from skin problems such as psoriasis, lichen planus, etc.
It is important to conduct a thorough physical examination of the nail for any patient who reports a nail pathology, since it often ends up causing problems in day-to-day life.
We will explore changes in thickness, surface, consistency, color, the nail plate and bed, periungual tissue, to rule out concurrent systemic illnesses, hereditary diseases if other members of the family have been affected, and any drugs recently taken.
In addition the nails may be infected by microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria, and detection and subsequent treatment will be curative.