Retronychia represents proximal ingrowth of the nail that occurs when the nail embeds backwards into the proximal nail fold. It is suspected when there is a persistent paronychia, particularly in the setting of trauma. Important clinical criteria for diagnosis are inflammation of the proximal nail fold, granulation tissue emerging from under the nail fold, thickening of the proximal portion of the nail plate and interruption of nail growth. The condition is rarely diagnosed and often misinterpreted, and is therefore unnecessarily treated with systemic antibiotics and antifungals. Avulsion of the nail confirms the diagnosis and it is the curative treatment. Conservative treatment with an adhesive technique is a valid option in early cases. We report 20 cases of retronychia diagnosed in our department between 2010 and 2013.

Background: Nail unit melanoma (NUM) is a rare variant of acral lentiginous melanoma. The differential diagnosis is wide but an acquired brown streak in the nail of a fair-skinned person must be considered a potential melanoma. Dermatoscopy helps clinicians to more accurately decide if a nail apparatus biopsy is necessary. Methods: We report the case of a 61-year-old Caucasian woman with melanonychia occupying the central portion of the right thumbnail plate with 1 year of evolution. Dermatoscopy showed a brown pigmentation overlaid by longitudinal irregular lines. An excisional biopsy was performed, and pathological examination revealed melanoma in situ. For safety reasons, the nail unit was totally removed down to the phalangeal bone 3 weeks later, and a full-thickness skin graft taken from the arm was used for reconstruction. Conclusion: NUMs pose a difficult treatment challenge. Wide excision with phalanx amputation is not satisfactory for patients with in situ and early invasive melanoma. Full-thickness skin grafting after total nail unit excision is a simple procedure providing a good functional and cosmetic outcome.

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Background: Eccrine hidrocystomas are rarely described benign cystic lesions, mainly presenting in middle-aged women in the centrofacial area and usually associated with a chronic course, seasonal variability and no proved and consistently efficacious treatments. Case Report: We report 2 patients, a 45- and a 56-year-old woman, with multiple facial eccrine hidrocystomas suggested by dermatoscopy, confirmed by histology and treated with botulinum toxin A with excellent results. Conclusion: Our report stresses the role of dermatoscopy in the diagnosis and follow-up of these lesions, as well as the impact of repeated treatments with botulinum toxin A in eccrine hidrocystomas suggesting it as a first-line treatment for multiple eccrine hidrocystomas because it is easy to use and has no risk of scars.

Nail unit melanomas pose a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Wide excision is sufficient, whereas phalanx amputation is unnecessary and associated with significant morbidity for patients with in situ or early invasive melanoma. Full-thickness skin grafting or second-intention healing after total nail unit excision is a simple procedure providing a good functional and cosmetic outcome.