Nail changes in autoimmune blistering disorders: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND

Pemphigus and pemphigoid disorders produce blistering cutaneous lesions. Earlier case reports state that nail involvement is uncommon in these autoimmune blistering disorders.

AIMS AND

OBJECTIVES

To study nail changes in autoimmune blistering disorders.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted where 40 cases and 40 controls were evaluated for nail changes.

RESULTS

Nail changes were seen in 72.5% of cases and 17.5% of controls. The most common nail findings were paronychia and onychorrhexis.

LIMITATIONS: Small sample size; short study duration; nail biopsy could not be done.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that the inflammatory nature of the blistering cutaneous disease is often reflected conspicuously in the nails.