Follow up of 12 patients with trachyonychia

Abstract

A follow-up study was performed to determine the outcomes of all patients (five males and seven females, mean age 18.4 years) who were referred to a specialist nail clinic with trachyonychia. The average number of affected nails per patient was 8.8 fingernails and 6.2 toenails. None of our patients tested positive for onychomycosis. Nail biopsies were performed in two patients, revealing non-specific changes. Eight patients did not present with or develop accompanying skin or mucosal disease. Two patients presented with alopecia areata and two others with psoriasis. Of our patients, 50% showed total resolution or marked improvement in their nail disease within the first 6 years regardless of treatment.

Trachyonychia and Twenty-Nail Dystrophy: A Comprehensive Review and Discussion of Diagnostic Accuracy

“…However, it is important to keep in mind that it is neither scarring nor painful, so treatment is often prescribed only for cosmetic reasons and patients may often improve without any treatment. In a case series, 50% of patients (n = 12) experienced resolution or considerable improvement in 6 years regardless of treatment [32] (fig. 4).…”

“…4). In patients with idiopathic trachyonychia as well as in those with childhood onset with symptoms lasting more than 6 years, spontaneous improvement is less common [32]. …”

A study of nail changes in various dermatosis in Punjab, India

“…Earlier it was called as excessive ridging of childhood or Trachonychia [25]. TND can be idiopathic, congenital or acquired [26]. The acquired type may be related to variety of disorders like lichen planus, psoriasis, alopecia areata, ichthyosis vulgaris, eczema and perhaps Pemphigus.…”

Trachyonychia: Review and Update on Clinical Aspects, Histology, and Therapy

“…The term TND lacks specificity. The scientific literature includes commentaries dividing trachyonychia into two subtypes, opaque and shiny trachyonychia, arguing that this division may provide more information on the severity of the condition [3,4]. …”