Inexpensive solution for habit-tic deformity.

Two men, the first aged 52 years and the second aged 72 years, were diagnosed during the reporting period as having habit-tic deformity. Because of similarities in the history and examination findings of these patients, I will discuss their cases jointly. Neither of the patients stated this problem was his chief concern, but on identification of the condition, both admitted it had been present for many years. Findings for both patients included dystrophy of the median aspect of both thumbnails, primarily consisting of somewhat parallel transverse ridges extending from the proximal nail fold to the distal aspect of the nail plate (Figure 1). These patients also demonstrated an apparent lack of cuticle and slight widening of the cuticular sulcus on the thumbnails. They report having frequently picked at the proximal nail fold and admitted they were often embarrassed about the appearance of their nails. No other fingernails were involved. The skin of the proximal nail folds was free of dermatitis in both patients. Relevant medical history and record of medications taken revealed no consistencies between the patients. Family histories for both patients were unremarkable for similar conditions. No therapy had been tried up to this point in either of the patients because this condition had not been previously diagnosed.