[Therapeutic assessment and side-effects of the aromatic retinoid on the nail apparatus].

Therapeutic benefits from aromatic retinoid have been described in the treatment of a variety of dermatological disorders. Stress is given on some of them which coexist with ungual abnormalities and the results are reported. These diseases include psoriasis, acropustulosis, keratosis lichenoides chronica. Drug-induced modifications of the epidermal structures of the nail apparatus are emphasized: fragility with onychorrhexis and onychoschizia is the commonest finding. Onychomadesis and nail shedding can be seen. Onycholysis is rare. Painful paronychia which is sometimes accompanied by granulation tissue and ingrowing nails is the most interesting alteration due to this synthetic retinoid and as yet unexplained.