Nail Disease for the Primary Care Provider

Med Clin North Am. 2015 Nov;99(6):1213-26. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2015.07.010. Epub 2015 Sep 4.

Abstract

Nail disorders are a common presenting complaint for both the primary care physician and the dermatologist. Nail diagnoses are broad in scope and include infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions. Onychomycosis is an especially common nail condition, and treatment should always be preceded by appropriate fungal studies for confirmation of diagnosis. Inflammatory conditions of the nail unit can mimic onychomycosis, and a dermatologist can assist with diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Likewise, subungual tumors often require biopsy, and should be evaluated by a dermatologist who is experienced in nail evaluation and treatment.

Keywords: Melanonychia; Nail; Onychomycosis; Paronychia; Subungual tumor; Wart.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Cysts / diagnosis
  • Cysts / therapy
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Nail Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Nail Diseases / therapy*
  • Primary Health Care
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Glucocorticoids