DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages
Changes to all nails on hands and feet
Last reviewed: December 2022
Author: Dr Ian Coulson, Consultant Dermatologist and Editor-in-Chief, 2022.
Edited by the DermNet content department
Background
This 12-year-old boy has developed changes affecting the nails of his hands and feet. Repeated mycology has proved negative. He has no skin problems elsewhere.
Describe what you see?
There is roughness of the nail plates (trachyonychia) affecting all finger and toenails. With repeatedly negative mycology, and absent skin problems elsewhere, the likely diagnosis is twenty-nail dystrophy.
What may this be associated with?
This may be associated with previous, concurrent, or the ultimate development of alopecia areata or lichen planus. Evidence of these conditions should be sought in the scalp, mouth, and elsewhere on the skin. Less convincing associations are with psoriasis and eczema.
What is the outlook for this condition?
The condition is difficult to treat, but may undergo spontaneous resolution.
For more information, see twenty-nail dystrophy.