title: Diagnostic applications of nail clippings.
abstract: "Nail clipping is a simple technique for diagnosis of several nail unit dermatoses. This article summarizes the practical approach, utility, and histologic findings of a nail clipping in evaluation of onychomycosis, nail unit psoriasis, onychomatricoma, subungual hematoma, melanonychia, and nail cosmetics, and the forensic applications of this easily obtained specimen. It reviews important considerations in optimizing specimen collection, processing methods, and efficacy of special stains in several clinical contexts. Readers will develop a greater understanding and ease of application of this indispensable procedure in assessing nail unit dermatoses."
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce Street, 2 Maloney, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Sasha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stephen
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1600 Northwest 10th Avenue, RMSB 2023A, Locator Code R-250 Miami, FL 33136, USA. Electronic address: Atosti@med.miami.edu.
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tosti
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3600 Spruce Street, 2 Maloney, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Adam I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Rubin
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000032:analysis; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology*; D009262:Nails / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D014009:Onychomycosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000032:analysis; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations
keywords: Melanonychia; Nail clipping; Nail cosmetics; Nail pathology; Nail psoriasis; Onychomatricoma; Onychomycosis; Subungual hematoma