Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Onychodystrophy with Intake of Carotene-rich Food.

BACKGROUND Onychodystrophy refers to the various abnormalities in nail morphology due to changes in the attachment of the nail plate, changes in nail surface or color. The treatment principle of onychodystrophy largely relies on the discovery and verification of the cause. However, preventive treatment methods offer little help to the patient due to poor compliance, and the effect of corticosteroid is only temporary. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical efficacy of carotene-rich food intake in chronic idiopathic onychodystrophy. METHODS Ten patients with chronic idiopathic onychodystrophy were recommended to drink one or two cups of carrot juice daily. RESULTS Patients showed improvement of onychodystrophy after drinking carrot juice twice a day for at least 4 weeks. No specific adverse effects were noted. CONCLUSION Since there are no reliable treatment methods for chronic idiopathic onychodystrophy, we suggest a simple and compliant treatment method consisting of taking carotene-rich food, such as carrot juice, for patients with chronic idiopathic onychodystrophy.