Trachonychia: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|A condition affecting the nails, often associated with lichen planus}}
{{Short description|A condition affecting the nails, often associated with lichen planus}}
==Trachonychia==
Trachonychia, also known as "twenty-nail dystrophy," is a condition characterized by rough, thin, and brittle nails. It can affect both [[fingernails]] and [[toenails]], and is often associated with [[lichen planus]], [[alopecia areata]], and other dermatological conditions.
Trachonychia, also known as "twenty-nail dystrophy," is a condition characterized by rough, thin, and brittle nails. It can affect both [[fingernails]] and [[toenails]], and is often associated with [[lichen planus]], [[alopecia areata]], and other dermatological conditions.
===Clinical Presentation===
===Clinical Presentation===

Latest revision as of 18:22, 12 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Trachonychia
Trachonychia affecting the fingernails
Synonyms Twenty-nail dystrophy
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Rough, brittle, thinning, discolored nails
Complications Nail dystrophy
Onset Childhood or adulthood
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Idiopathic, lichen planus, alopecia areata
Risks Genetic predisposition
Diagnosis Clinical examination, biopsy
Differential diagnosis Onychomycosis, psoriasis, eczema
Prevention N/A
Treatment Topical corticosteroids, systemic therapy, phototherapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Variable, often benign
Frequency Rare
Deaths N/A


A condition affecting the nails, often associated with lichen planus


Trachonychia[edit]

Trachonychia, also known as "twenty-nail dystrophy," is a condition characterized by rough, thin, and brittle nails. It can affect both fingernails and toenails, and is often associated with lichen planus, alopecia areata, and other dermatological conditions.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Trachonychia presents with nails that appear rough and sandpaper-like. The nails may become thin and brittle, and in some cases, they may develop a "sandpaper" texture. The condition can affect all 20 nails, hence the name "twenty-nail dystrophy," but it can also present in fewer nails.

Etiology[edit]

The exact cause of trachonychia is not well understood, but it is often associated with autoimmune conditions such as lichen planus and alopecia areata. It is believed that an inflammatory process affects the nail matrix, leading to the characteristic changes in the nails.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of trachonychia is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the nails. A dermatologist may perform a nail biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. The biopsy typically shows spongiosis and a lichenoid tissue reaction in the nail matrix.

Management[edit]

There is no specific treatment for trachonychia, and management is often focused on treating any underlying conditions such as lichen planus or alopecia areata. In some cases, topical or intralesional corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation. The condition may resolve spontaneously over time.

See also[edit]