Symposium- Nails: Diagnostic clue to genodermatoses Nails-Part II Arun C. Inamadar, Aparna Palit Department of Dermatology, ABSTRACT Venereology and Leprosy, Sri B.M. Patil Medical College, Nails are cutaneous appendages mostly involved in mechanical functions. However, nails may Hospital and Research Center, BLDE University, Bijapur, reflect presence of various systemic disorders evidenced by alteration of their shape, size, Karnataka, India color or texture. Genodermatoses are multisystem disorders with cutaneous involvement. Many of the genodermatoses present with nail changes and some of these may be the Address for correspondence: clinical pointers to the diagnosis. Diagnostic clues to various genodermatoses derived from Dr. Arun C. Inamadar, nail findings have been discussed. Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Genodermatosis, nail patella syndrome, pachyonychia congenita, yellow nail SBMP Medical College, Key words: Hospital and Research syndrome Center, BLDE University, Bijapur ‑ 586 103, Karnataka, India. E-mail:
[email protected] INTRODUCTION Nail involvement in genodermatoses may be categorized in to three groups for better understanding It is customary to consider nail as an ornamental body and diagnosis [Table 1]; part helpful in finer grip functions of hands and feet. 1. Genodermatoses with characteristic nail changes However, appendageal structures like nail and hair 2. Genodermatoses with significant nail involvement may be as good reflectors as skin for presence of many 3. Genodermatoses with nonspecific nail changes systemic disorders. Cosmetic appeal of well manicured nails is undeniable; at the same time their efficacy as a GENODERMATOSES WITH CHARACTERISTIC NAIL diagnostic tool is well known. CHANGES Genodermatoses are conglomeration of cutaneous and Few genodermatoses present with characteristic nail systemic signs and symptoms and some of these disorders changes which predominate the clinical picture.