A Review of Nail Dystrophies for the Practitioner.

GENERAL PURPOSE: To provide information about nail pathology from its clinical presentation, pathophysiologic origin, clinical diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and treatment.

TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, NPs, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:1. Review the etiology of and risk factors for the various types of nail pathology.2. Describe the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of the various types of nail pathology.

ABSTRACT: Nail pathology has a range of etiologies, from biomechanical trauma to systemic associations. Within this review, nail pathology is examined from a clinical presentation, pathophysiologic origin, clinical diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and treatment standpoint. Nail dystrophy reveals both systemic and exogenous pathology, reinforcing the value of assessing nails during the medical examination.