摘要

Objectives: Knowledge of the typical features seen by dermoscopy in common nail disorders will aid the dermatologist and general physician to obtain a surer diagnosis, which will direct the appropriate and timely treatment. Introduction: Introduction Nail disorders represent a category of common conditions such as psoriasis, onychomycosis, paronychia, pseudomonas infections, and trauma-related changes. A proper diagnosis is essential for appropriate management; however, this is sometimes difficult to achieve whenever examination is solely clinical. Dermoscopy, or onychoscopy, has proved to be a useful tool to aid in the differentiation of these nail conditions. Materials / method: Dermoscopy provides a comprehensive overview of the nail unit, which enables the detection of subtle changes that might be missed during a simple clinical examination. I will be presenting clinical cases complaining of nail unit changes and showing their main dermoscopic features and their diagnostic value. Results: Nail psoriasis typically presents with yellow discoloration or oil spot, subungual hyperkeratosis, onycholysis and splinter hemorrhages. The longitudinal striations are seen as jagged, interrupted, or spiky, associated with white or yellow-orange patches or streaks, thus confirming the diagnosis of distal lateral onychomycosis. Paronychia and pseudomonas infections of the nails present with periungual erythema, edema, and green discoloration, while traumatic changes to the nail reveal hematomas, onycholysis, transverse ridging and irregularities of the nail plate. Conclusion: The role of dermoscopy as an auxiliary tool to clinical examination in the diagnosis of nail diseases will be demonstrated supported by images of actual cases and updated literature review.