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Skin Appendage Disorders Sep 2022Irritant contact dermatitis affecting the nail unit may lead to nail matrix damage and onychomadesis, which may initially be subclinical, becoming overt later. We...
INTRODUCTION
Irritant contact dermatitis affecting the nail unit may lead to nail matrix damage and onychomadesis, which may initially be subclinical, becoming overt later. We describe a patient who developed these changes after using a chemical pesticide.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 52-year-old woman presented with discoloration of the nails of both hands of two days' duration, associated with mild digital pain. She had used an over-the-counter insecticide product containing thiamethoxam (a broad-spectrum systemic insecticide) for her houseplants, preceding the nail changes. Examination revealed onycholysis and subclinical onychomadesis involving multiple fingernails as well as toenails. Onychoscopic examination showed proximal nail plate separation with an erythematous regular border. Histopathology showed an essentially normal nail plate with spongiosis, epidermal cell necrosis, and hypergranulosis. However, there was no evidence of bacterial or fungal infection, and dermal inflammation was mild. The patient was diagnosed with thiamethoxam-induced irritant dermatitis with subclinical onychomadesis and was advised to take general precautions with avoidance of any further contact with the insecticide. She was managed with topical steroids and emollient; however, on follow-up, she developed green nails, with progression to overt onychomadesis in some nails. Additionally, onychomycosis was observed in few nails in the long-term, which needed to be treated.
CONCLUSION
Thiamethoxam is an over-the-counter broad-spectrum insecticide used for houseplants, but its safety data does not mention acute adverse effects on nails, which was a novel finding in our patient. The safety data does mention the use of gloves for preparing and administering the product. Secondary bacterial and fungal infections, which can occur after the initial insult, further worsen the prognosis.
PubMed: 36161079
DOI: 10.1159/000523978 -
Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia 2018Retronychia is a recently described disorder caused by ingrowth of the proximal nail plate into the proximal nail fold. It is suspected when there is persistent... (Review)
Review
Retronychia is a recently described disorder caused by ingrowth of the proximal nail plate into the proximal nail fold. It is suspected when there is persistent paronychia, particularly in the setting of trauma. This disease is probably underdiagnosed due to limited knowledge among dermatologists and the presence of incomplete clinical forms. Nail plate avulsion is the diagnostic and curative procedure of choice, despite reports of relapse.
Topics: Humans; Nail Diseases; Nails, Ingrown; Onycholysis; Paronychia
PubMed: 30156621
DOI: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20187908 -
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology Aug 2019Nail cosmetics are used by millions worldwide and the variety of products available is expanding. They are relatively safe, but complications can occur, and patients... (Review)
Review
Nail cosmetics are used by millions worldwide and the variety of products available is expanding. They are relatively safe, but complications can occur, and patients experiencing complications may present to dermatologists. The physical processes can cause nail thinning and onycholysis, poor technique can promote infection, and consumers may develop allergic contact dermatitis. Ultraviolet nail lamps are widely used for curing gel nails, but their use is unregulated and they are readily accessible in salons or for home use. There is concern about potential carcinogenesis; however, the risk is negligible and can be further reduced with the use of sunscreen. Despite the potential complications, nail cosmetics may be a useful adjunct in treating nail disorders. Familiarity with the procedures will enable the dermatologist to recognize problems and advise on safe use.
Topics: Acrylates; Carcinogenesis; Cosmetics; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Female; Humans; Methacrylates; Nail Diseases; Nails; Onycholysis; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 30793352
DOI: 10.1111/ced.13929 -
Journal of the European Academy of... May 2015Onycholysis - the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed occurs in fingers and toenails. It is diagnosed by the whitish appearance of the separated nail plate... (Review)
Review
Onycholysis - the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed occurs in fingers and toenails. It is diagnosed by the whitish appearance of the separated nail plate from the nail bed. In fingers, the majority is caused by trauma, manicuring, occupational or self-induced behavior. The most common disease producing fingernail onycholysis is psoriasis and pustular psoriasis. Phototoxic dermatitis, due to drugs can also produce finger onycholysis. Once the separation occurs, the environmental flora sets up temporary colonization in the available space. Finger onycholysis is most common in women. Candida albicans is often recovered from the onycholytic space. Many reports, want to associate the yeast as cause and effect, but the data are lacking and the treatment of the candida does not improve finger onycholysis. A reasonable explanation for the frequent isolation of Candida and Pseudomonas in fingernail onycholysis in women, is the close proximity the fingers have to the vaginal and gastrointestinal tract. Fifty per cent of humans harbour C. albicans in the GI tract and it is frequently carried to the vagina during hygienic practices. Finger onycholysis is best treated by drying the nail 'lytic' area with a hair blower, since all colonizing biota are moisture loving and perish in a dry environment. Toenail onycholysis has a very different etiology. It is mechanical, the result of pressure on the toes from the closed shoes, while walking, because of the ubiquitous uneven flat feet producing an asymmetric gait with more pressure on the foot with the flatter sole.
Topics: Fingers; Foot Dermatoses; Hand Dermatoses; Humans; Onycholysis; Onychomycosis; Toes
PubMed: 25512134
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.12862 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2022Tetracyclines are a group of antibiotics whose first representative was discovered over 70 years ago. Since then, they have been of great interest in dermatology. In... (Review)
Review
Tetracyclines are a group of antibiotics whose first representative was discovered over 70 years ago. Since then, they have been of great interest in dermatology. In addition to their antibacterial activity, they are able to inhibit metalloproteinases and exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and antioxidant effects. The side effects have been thoroughly studied over the years, the most characteristic and important ones in daily dermatological practice being: phototoxicity, hyperpigmentation, onycholysis, photoonycholysis, induced lupus erythematosus, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. In this article, we summarize the use of tetracyclines in infectious diseases and inflammatory dermatoses, and further discuss the instances where the efficacy and safety of tetracyclines have been highlighted over the past few years.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Dermatologists; Humans; Tetracyclines
PubMed: 35742496
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127246 -
Oman Medical Journal Jan 2016Onycholysis is the detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed. If drug-induced, it can be an isolated phenomenon, but it may also accompany or follow a cutaneous...
Onycholysis is the detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed. If drug-induced, it can be an isolated phenomenon, but it may also accompany or follow a cutaneous phototoxicity reaction due to drug intake and exposure to ultraviolet irradiation. Photo-onycholysis is a rare photosensitivity reaction due to exposure to either a natural or artificial source of light. Many drugs are responsible for this phototoxic reaction, especially tetracyclines, psoralens, chloramphenicol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, fluoroquinolones, and, rarely, doxycycline. Any patient given enough of a therapeutic dose of an inducing drug and sufficient light irradiation can develop phototoxic reactions. While there is no need to avoid these drugs completely, precautions should be taken. Here we have reported the case of a patient who developed onycholysis of his fingernails with sparing of the toenails following administration of diclofenac therapy for lower back pain. The onycholysis was associated with a phototoxic reaction. The swellings resolved totally within two days, and the patient started to notice the separation of all fingernail plates from their nail beds. The patient was treated symptomatically. On follow-up, onycholysis had regressed slowly, and the condition recovered totally within three months without any sequelae.
PubMed: 26816569
DOI: 10.5001/omj.2016.12 -
Journal of the European Academy of... Jan 2019First described in 1961, photoonycholysis (PO) is a rare nail alteration that may result from drug intake, from topical aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy or from... (Review)
Review
First described in 1961, photoonycholysis (PO) is a rare nail alteration that may result from drug intake, from topical aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy or from photosensitive conditions such as porphyria or pseudoporphyria. Spontaneous PO is rare. This review updates the numerous causes of PO and highlights some new ways producing this condition. Four different types of PO are clearly recognized without relationship with the responsible drug. An updated list of potential inducing drug is provided. Some practical points on PO have been raised. The inability to reproduce photoonycholysis experimentally should be emphasized, and the pathogenesis of PO still needs to be clarified.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Furocoumarins; Humans; Onycholysis; PUVA Therapy; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Porphyrias
PubMed: 29953667
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.15151 -
Dermatologic Clinics Apr 2021Nail dermoscopy (onychoscopy) is being used for a more accurate diagnosis of all nail disorders and has become a routine diagnostic instrument. In daily practice, nail... (Review)
Review
Nail dermoscopy (onychoscopy) is being used for a more accurate diagnosis of all nail disorders and has become a routine diagnostic instrument. In daily practice, nail signs can be magnified, and dermoscopy may confirm the clinical diagnosis and guides in management of nail diseases and treatments, permitting a better visualization of symptoms. Onychoscopy is used by the experts in almost all nail diseases. It can be performed dry or with ultrasound gel in order to make the stratum corneum translucent, depending on which part of the nail unit has to be evaluated.
Topics: Dermoscopy; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Nail Diseases; Nails; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 33745641
DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2020.12.008 -
Primary Care Dec 2015A variety of nail deformities commonly presents in the primary care office. An understanding of nail anatomy coupled with inspection of the nails at routine office... (Review)
Review
A variety of nail deformities commonly presents in the primary care office. An understanding of nail anatomy coupled with inspection of the nails at routine office visits can reveal undetected disorders. Some problems are benign, and treatment should be attempted by the primary care provider, such as onychomycosis, paronychia, or ingrown toenails. For conditions such as benign melanonychia, longitudinal ridges, isolated Beau lines, and onycholysis, clinicians may offer reassurance to patients who are concerned about the change in their nails. For deformities such as early pterygium or clubbing, a thorough evaluation and referral to an appropriate specialist may be warranted.
Topics: Humans; Nail Diseases; Nails; Nails, Ingrown; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 26612379
DOI: 10.1016/j.pop.2015.08.005 -
The British Journal of Dermatology Mar 2015Onychomadesis is characterized by separation of the nail plate from the matrix with persistent attachment to the nail bed and often, but not always, eventual shedding.... (Review)
Review
Onychomadesis is characterized by separation of the nail plate from the matrix with persistent attachment to the nail bed and often, but not always, eventual shedding. Onychomadesis has been associated with infection, autoimmune disease, critical illness and medications. To our knowledge a literature review of all associations with onychomadesis has not been completed previously. Most commonly, onychomadesis has been reported in association with pemphigus vulgaris and hand-foot-mouth disease, and following chemotherapy or antiepileptic medications. This article summarizes these key culprit associations, postulates the pathogenesis of nail matrix arrest and summarizes the clinical outcomes. We conducted a retrospective review of cases of onychomadesis reported from January 1960 to March 2013. Using the PubMed database, the literature was searched using the following terms: 'onychomadesis' and 'proximal nail shedding'. Also, an Ovid search was carried out using the same terms. In total 56 articles have been published, including our previously reported series of idiopathic onychomadesis. Articles pertaining only to Beau's lines and not true onychomadesis were excluded. Onychomadesis has been associated with autoimmune disease, other major medical illness, neonatal illness, medication and infection.
Topics: Autoimmune Diseases; Chronic Disease; Drug Eruptions; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease; Humans; Onycholysis
PubMed: 25132198
DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13339