Childhood nail diseases.

The diagnosis of pediatric nail populations is complicated because a large proportion of pediatric nail presentations involve parents bringing in their children with questions regarding nail appearance rather than the plain presentation of a disease or functional problem. Parents are concerned whether the nails are normal, if they are uncomfortable for the baby or child, if the nails will affect walking or other future function, or if the changes are of wider significance and suggest more sinister medical problems than are yet apparent. To address these concerns, the clinician needs a good grasp of what is normal.