There is something wrong with my nail.

Nail problems are a frequent source of concern to patients and are a relatively common presenting complaint to general practitioners. While tinea unguium and psoriasis are the main causes of nail problems for the majority of patients, there are numerous other causes of nail dystrophies. This article aims to discuss some of the commoner causes of nail dystrophy. In addition it will give GPs an understanding of the anatomy and function of the nail and provide an approach to diagnosis based on morphology. Treatment will be dealt with in a subsequent article.