Physical examination A reticulate hyperpigmented macular rash was present at the axillae, groins, extensor aspect of the upper limbs, buttocks, and thighs (Figure 1). Poikilodermatous changes were observed, with hypopigmented macules, epidermal atrophy and telangiectasia (Figure 2). Erythematous patches with epidermal atrophy were also seen, especially over the abdomen and chest (Figure 3). The...

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome is one of the rare causes of multiple polyposis, characterised by generalised gastrointestinal polyposis, cutaneous hyperpigmentation, alopecia, and nail dystrophy.' Although Cronkhite and Canada described it for the first time in 1955, little is known about its aetiology and the prognosis remains poor. We describe a case of CronkhiteCanada syndrome in a 79-year-old Ja...

Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic skin disorder due to a mutation in any one of the five keratin genes, KRT6A, KRT6B, KRT6C, KRT16, or KRT17. The main features are palmoplantar keratoderma, plantar pain, and nail dystrophy. Cysts of various types, follicular hyperkeratosis, oral leukokeratosis, hyperhidrosis, and natal teeth may also be present. Four unrelated Ind...

A group of 61 unselected patients with psoriasis attending a dermatology clinic were studied to determine the prevalence of psoriatic arthritis. On defined criteria arthritis was present in 41.6%. Peripheral arthritis was present in 15.5%, and sacroiliitis in 43%. A strong association of distal interphalangeal arthritis with psoriasis and nail dystrophy was confirmed. Tissue typing showed a str...

Ectodermal dysplasia is a hereditary disorder that occurs as a consequence of disturbances in the ectoderm of the developing embryo. The triad of nail dystrophy, alopecia or hypotrichosis and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis is usually accompanied by a lack of sweat glands and a partial or complete absence of primary and/ or permanent dentition. A case report illustrating the prosthetic rehabilitati...

This case report describes a patient with thallium poisoning caused by repeated exposure to low doses of thallium. Alopecia and nail changes were the most prominent features of this case. There was dystrophy of nails in the form of whitish lunular stripes. This is the first report of complete erosion of proximal parts of nails following thallium poisoning. This case is the first report of thall...

Dyskeratosis congenita (DKC) is a rare inherited disease that is characterized by abnormal skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy and mucosal leukoplakia. DKC is caused by an abnormality in a component of the telomerase and shelterin complexes. TINF2 encodes a protein in the shelterin complex and TERC encodes a component of the telomerase complex. Mutations of both genes have been associated with DK...

Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a rare, inheritable disorder characterized by a triad of abnormal skin pigmentation, nail dystrophy and mucosal leukoplakia. Inheritance is mainly X-linked recessive; however, autosomal dominant and recessive forms have also been reported. Here, we report two cases of DC with distinct clinical presentations together with different genetic screening results, which ...

From Oregon Dermatology and Research Center, Portland, and Oregon Health and Science University, Portland. The author reports no conflict of interest. Dermatology encompasses disorders of the skin, hair, and nails. Why is it that many dermatologists shy away from nail disorders, particularly nail surgery? Many dermatologists choose not to see patients with nail disorders and instead send them t...