Nail Disorders and Anomalies Quiz

Onychosis

• Onychosis refers to congenital or acquired nail anomalies.

Developmental Nail Anomalies

• These are rare, congenital diseases.
• Some are hereditary.
• Others may be independent, or part of larger hereditary syndromes.

Anonychia

• This is a condition where one or more nails are missing.
• The absence is either partial or complete.
• This condition is present at birth.

Pachyonychia Congenita

• This is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder.
• It is characterized by thickened nail plates, particularly towards the distal part of the nail.
• Affected nails may take on a claw-like appearance.

Koilonychia

• Koilonychia is characterized by a hollowed-out or scooped appearance of the nails, resembling an hourglass shape.
• It can be a hereditary disorder (autosomal dominant).
• It can also develop as a result of hemolytic anemia.

Nail Infections: Acute

• Perionyxis acuta involves the lateral or proximal nail fold.
• The causative organisms may include Staphylococcus species or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Affected nails exhibit signs of acute illness and have a blue-black (pyocyanin) coloring.
• Treatment typically involves surgical excision and antibiotic use.

Nail Infections: Chronic

• Perionyxis chronica is a chronic form of nail infection.
• It often results from damage to the perionychium, caused by detergents or moisture.
• Secondary infection, such as with Candida, is possible.

Nail Infections: Dermatophyte

• Dermatophytes can infect the nail plate.
• Differentiating this type from other nail conditions is necessary.

Onychomycosis

• Onychomycosis refers to fungal infections affecting the nail.
• It can manifest in various ways.

Damage by Physical and Chemical Agents: Leuconychia

• Leuconychia causes white nail plates.
• This condition may stem from injuries or be a congenital anomaly.
• The entire nail plate can exhibit damage or have localized damage with the pattern showing up as stripes or "snowflakes."
• The condition may be linked to kidney, liver, or enteropathy disorders.

Test your knowledge on various nail disorders including onychosis, developmental anomalies, and specific conditions like anonychia and pachyonychia congenita. This quiz covers both congenital and acquired nail issues, providing insights into their characteristics and inheritance patterns.