Dystrophic Ingrown Toenail

Given the common presentation of onychodystrophy, physicians should have a firm grasp of common presentations of conditions like onychomycosis, trachyonychia and psoriasis. Accordingly, this author reviews keys to effective diagnosis and pertinent treatment considerations. Nail cosmesis and discomfort are the main motivators for most of our patients to schedule a podiatric consultation. During that patient visit, it is important for the podiatric practitioner to delve into the cause of the problematic nail change, known as onychodystrophy. Onychodystrophy, which is any alteration of nail morphology, encompasses a wide spectrum of nail disorders. Caused by either exogenous or endogenous factors, nail dystrophy may manifest as a misshapen, damaged, infected or discolored nail unit that may affect the toenails, fingernails or both.