Onychorrhexis

Onychorrexis refers to the presence of longitudinal ridges or splits in the nail plate — often running from the base to the tip of the nail. It can affect both fingernails and toenails. In toenails it is commonly seen due to pressure, trauma, too tight footwear, or underlying health issues.

Onychorrhexis
Other namesBrittle nails
Onicorrexis in a adult
SpecialtyDermatology 

Onychorrhexis (from the Greek words ὄνυχο- ónycho-, "nail" and ῥῆξις rhexis, "bursting"), is a brittleness with breakage of finger or toenails that may result from hypothyroidism, anemia, anorexia nervosa or bulimia, or after oral retinoid therapy.[1]: 786  It can also be seen in melanoma that involves the nail and onychomycosis.[2]

Onychorrhexis affects up to 20% of the population.[1]: 786 [3]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
  2. ^ Frazier, Winfred Taylor; Santiago-Delgado, Zuleica M.; Kenneth C. Stupka, I. I. (October 2021). "Onychomycosis: Rapid Evidence Review". American Family Physician. 104 (4): 359–367. ISSN 1532-0650.
  3. ^ Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. ISBN 978-1-4160-2999-1.

Further reading