Terry's nails

A Review of Nail Dystrophies for the Practitioner

GENERAL PURPOSE

To provide information about nail pathology from its clinical presentation, pathophysiologic origin, clinical diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and treatment.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, NPs, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:1. Review the etiology of and risk factors for the various types of nail pathology.2. Describe the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of the various types of nail pathology.

ABSTRACT

Nail pathology has a range of etiologies, from biomechanical trauma to systemic associations. Within this review, nail pathology is examined from a clinical presentation, pathophysiologic origin, clinical diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and treatment standpoint. Nail dystrophy reveals both systemic and exogenous pathology, reinforcing the value of assessing nails during the medical examination.

Terry's nails

Terry's nails can be manifested in systemic diseases like cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, and other conditions which emphasizes the importance of physical examination in every clinical encounter.