Treatment of transverse overcurvature of the nail with a plastic device: measurement of response.
BACKGROUND
Transverse overcurvature of the nail is a painful condition that has been treated by conservative and/or surgical methods.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to evaluate the efficacy of a plastic device for treatment of transverse overcurvature of the nail and to use a practical method (plaster mold) to evaluate follow-up of nail widening during and after treatment.


METHODS
Twenty-five patients with transverse overcurvature of the nail were treated with placement of a plastic device. Pain assessment was done on a monthly basis. Nail improvement was evaluated through photographs and measurement of widening by plaster molds.


RESULTS
Relief of pain could be determined in almost 100% of the cases in a 3-month period. Widening of overcurvature of the nail occurred in all cases. The plaster mold allowed a practical measurement of improvement in nail shape.


CONCLUSIONS
The plastic device is an effective, safe, noninvasive, and inexpensive treatment option for overcurved nails. The plaster mold is a practical method to evaluate improvement in nail shape.
Di Chiacchio
Nilton
N
Dermatologic Clinic, Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo-Brasil, São Paulo, Brazil. ndichia@terra.com.br
Kadunc
Bogdana Victoria
BV
Trindade de Almeida
Ada Regina
AR
Madeira
Celso Luis
CL
D001915:Braces; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009264:Nails, Malformed / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D016896:Treatment Outcome