Median nail dystrophy

Median Nail Dystrophy

File:Median Nail Dystrophy.jpg

Median Nail Dystrophy

Median nail dystrophy, also known as dystrophia unguis mediana canaliformis, is a rare condition that affects the nails, particularly the thumbnail. It is characterized by longitudinal ridging and splitting, often with a canal-like depression in the center of the nail.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of median nail dystrophy is the appearance of a longitudinal groove or split in the nail, often accompanied by ridging. This can affect one or more nails, but most commonly affects the thumbnails. The affected nails may also appear dull or discolored.

Causes

The exact cause of median nail dystrophy is unknown, but it is thought to be related to trauma to the nail matrix. This can be caused by habitual picking or biting of the nails, or by certain medical procedures such as nail avulsion.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of median nail dystrophy is primarily based on the characteristic appearance of the nails. In some cases, a biopsy of the nail may be performed to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for median nail dystrophy primarily involves avoiding further trauma to the nail. This may involve behavioral modifications such as stopping nail biting or picking. In some cases, a protective covering may be applied to the nail. If the condition is severe or does not improve with conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be considered.

See Also

• Nail disease
• Nail anatomy