title: Diagnosis using nail matrix.
abstract: Diagnosing nail matrix diseases requires knowledge of the nail matrix function and anatomy. This allows recognition of the clinical manifestations and assessment of potential surgical risk. Nail signs depend on the location within the matrix (proximal or distal) and the intensity, duration, and extent of the insult. Proximal matrix involvement includes nail surface irregularities (longitudinal lines, transverse lines, roughness of the nail surface, pitting, and superficial brittleness), whereas distal matrix insult induces longitudinal or transverse chromonychia. Clinical signs are described and their main causes are listed to enable readers to diagnose matrix disease from the nail's clinical features.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Department, University Hospitals Brugmann, St Pierre and Queen Fabiola's Children Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium. Electronic address: bertrand.richert@chu-brugmann.be.
authors.forename: Bertrand
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Richert
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Department, University Hospitals Brugmann, St Pierre and Queen Fabiola's Children Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Caucanas
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Department, University Hospitals Brugmann, St Pierre and Queen Fabiola's Children Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Josette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: André
mesh_terms: D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D017496:Hypopigmentation / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D009260:Nail Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D009262:Nails / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D009264:Nails, Malformed / Q000209:etiology*
keywords: Chromonychia; Leukonychia; Nail disease; Nail matrix; Nail plate dystrophy