The nail unit is a dynamic complex which forms an important part of the integument. This complex consists of the nail matrix (NM), nail bed (NB), hyponychium, nail fold (NF) and the nail plate (NP). Cells of the nail matrix, under the protection of the proximal nail fold mature and keratinised to form the NP. The NM contributes to the most portion of the NP while about 10-15% is produced by the...

Regulation of adult stem cells (SCs) is fundamental for organ maintenance and tissue regeneration. On the body surface, different ectodermal organs exhibit distinctive modes of regeneration and the dynamics of their SC homeostasis remain to be unraveled. A slow cycling characteristic has been used to identify SCs in hair follicles and sweat glands; however, whether a quiescent population exists...

Examination and surgical intervention of nail unit lesions are often hindered by its natural hard keratinous nail plate. Knowledge of the basic anatomy of a nail unit and surgical pathology of a condition facilitate the delivery of an appropriate and effective treatment. The mild form of common ingrown toenail can be managed by tube insertion which entails inserting without anaesthesia a small ...

BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that often progresses with nail alterations. It is suspected that there is a correlation between nail psoriasis and enthesitis of the distal interphalangeal joint, seeming to serve as a predictor. OBJECTIVES To analyze the profile of patients with nail psoriasis and correlate the presence of nail alterations with psoriatic arthritis,...

Subungual melanoma with pigmentation beneath the nail that extends to involve the proximal nail fold is referred to as Hutchinson's sign. Black or brown subungual discoloration involving the proximal nail fold secondary to other etiologies has been referred to as pseudo-Hutchinson's sign. Three patients with nail discoloration and concurrent dyschromia of the proximal nail fold are described: a...

BACKGROUND Nail psoriasis may affect up to 90% of patients with psoriasis in the course of the disease throughout their lives and it is often a therapeutic challenge to dermatologists. Topical treatments described in the literature have demonstrated variable efficacy, and unsatisfactory results have been associated to inefficient penetration of the active ingredient into the nail plate and prox...

Median canaliform deformity of the nail is an uncommon entity, where there is longitudinal splitting of the nail. Longitudinal splitting of the nail is a rare phenomenon and can also occur following number of growths arising in the nail matrix. On examination there was a longitudinal split in the nail plate, beginning in the distal nail fold and extending proximally all the way to the proximal ...

793 nail unit separate from the normal one. There was no adhesion between the ectopic and normal nail units. Thus, using a No. 15 blade, we successfully removed the ectopic nail plate including its matrix en bloc (Fig. 2A, B). On histopathology, the nail bed was slightly stained with the hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) dye. In addition, there was an underlying presence of the nail matrix without a gran...

The use of the nail as a splint is desirable in the management of acute nail bed injuries. However, when the nail plate is destroyed and during secondary reconstruction of the nail bed, the nail is not available for use as a splint. Several substitutes, notably silicone sheet have been used, but without much success. The INRO surgical nail, with qualities similar to the nail splint was develope...

Chronic anterior knee pain is the most common complication after tibial nail insertion. Its etiology remains unknown, and multifactorial sources have been suggested. The authors believe that nail prominence and the insertion point of the nail are important in the development of anterior knee pain. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the roles of the insertion point and nail ...