Diagnosis of nail disorders: a literature review

Thairine H. Oliveira-Lima, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil Renata M. Oyama-Okajima, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Pará; Department of Medicine, State University of Pará; Belém, Pará, Brazil Silvia F. Rodrigues-Müller, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil Marília B. Xavier, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil Airton K. Motizuki, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil Carla A. Avelar-Pires, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Pará; Department of Medicine, State University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil

The nail apparatus performs essential functions, such as protection and assistance in fine touch, making its integrity crucial for daily activities. The loss of its functionality can hinder routine tasks, directly impacting the quality of life. However, diagnosing nail disorders presents significant challenges due to the complexity of conditions affecting the nails and the overlap of features among different diseases. Diagnostic difficulty is further aggravated by professionals’ lack of familiarity with techniques, such as dermoscopy, microscopy, microbial culture, and nail biopsy. In this study, we conducted a narrative literature review of articles indexed in PubMed from 2000 to 2024 that address the diagnosis of nail diseases. Selected studies were appraised according to methodological rigor and practical applicability, with an emphasis on the clinical relevance of their findings. Our review provides dermatologists and general practitioners with critical clinical insights that enhance understanding and management of patients with nail disorders.

Keywords: Nail disorders. Differential diagnosis. Nail dermoscopy. Nail biopsy.