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Category: Volume 05 Issue 08 August 2017
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Title: A Study on Pattern of Nail Changes in Geriatric Population

Authors: Yogender Kumar, Kishor Singh, Neha Yadav, Nidhi Paliwal

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i8.80

Abstract

Background: No cutaneous examination is complete without a careful evaluation of nails. Nail changesare common in the elderly and include changes in color, contour, growth, surface and thickness.

Aim of the study was to identify nail changes due to various dermatologic or systemic disorders in the geriatric age group.

Material and Methods: A total of 100 elderly patients aged more than 60 years with nail changes were included in the study from at tertiary care hospital. In suspected case of fungal infection, KOH (potassium hydroxide) mount of the nail clippings and nail biopsy done, whenever indicated.

Results: The commonest nail change seen was onychorrhexis (97%). Other nail changes, in decreasing order, were altered contour (95%), alunula (93%), dark / dull opaque nails (91%), ragged cuticle (88%), slowing of nail growth rate (87%), thickened nail plate (69%), onycholysis (68%), subungual hyperkeratosis (62%), chromonychia (58%), ragged nail folds (45%), pitting (24%),  Beau's lines (23%), onychoschizia (18%), brittle nails (18%), clubbing (17%), smooth shiny nails (13%), thinning of nail plate (9%), paronychia (6%), onychoptosis (5%), pterygium unguis (5%), onychomycosis (3%), brachyonychia (3%), longitudinal splitting (2%), subungual hematoma, plat forming of nail plate and powdery white patch on the nail (1% each).

Conclusion: Careful examination of nail is very important, especially so in elderly. The nail changes may be a marker for many dermatological as well as systemic disorders.

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Corresponding Author

Kishor Singh

Professor & HOD, Department of Dermatology, NIMS, Jaipur, Rajasthan