GPMEDICINE: Conditions that affect nails.(Brief Article)

Onychomycosis

This picture was taken two months after the patient started treatment for a fungal nail infection. The healthy new nail is clearly seen. Patients need to be told that - regardless of whether they are on oral or topical treatment - it may take six to nine months for the appearance of the nail to improve. The damaged nail will not recover and the patient should look at the base of the nail for healthy, uninfected growth.

Lichen planus

In 10 per cent of people with lichen planus, the nails are also involved. Typically the nails are brittle, thickened and have longitudinal ridges. Treatment is often difficult. Injecting steroids into the …