Trachyonychia

Trachyonychia, also known as rough nails or sandpapered nails, is a rare condition characterized by rough, ridged, or pebbly nails. The term “trachyonychia” is derived from the Greek words “trachy” meaning rough and “onychia” meaning nails. It can affect fingernails and toenails and may occur in isolation or as part of a broader autoimmune or inflammatory condition.

Types

Trachyonychia can be classified into different types based on the severity and underlying cause. The following is a list of definitions and types of trachyonychia:

1. Idiopathic trachyonychia: This type of trachyonychia is also known as twenty-nail dystrophy, as it affects all twenty nails. It is characterized by the presence of rough, sandpapered nails that are thin, brittle, and prone to splitting. The condition may occur in isolation or in association with other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
2. Lichen planus trachyonychia: Lichen planus is an autoimmune condition that can affect the skin, mucous membranes, and nails. Lichen planus trachyonychia is characterized by the presence of rough, ridged, or pebbly nails that may be yellow or discolored. The nails may also be thin, brittle, or prone to splitting.
3. Alopecia areata trachyonychia: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss on the scalp, face, and other areas of the body. Alopecia areata trachyonychia is characterized by the presence of rough, ridged, or pebbly nails that may be discolored or have a bluish tinge. The nails may also be thin, brittle, or prone to splitting.
4. Psoriasis trachyonychia: Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that can affect the skin, nails, and joints. Psoriasis trachyonychia is characterized by the presence of rough, ridged, or pebbly nails that may be thickened or discolored. The nails may also be prone to lifting or separating from the nail bed.
5. Eczema trachyonychia: Eczema is a common skin condition that can affect the nails. Eczema trachyonychia is characterized by the presence of rough, ridged, or pebbly nails that may be discolored or have a yellowish or greenish tinge. The nails may also be thickened or prone to lifting or separating from the nail bed.
6. Pachyonychia congenital trachyonychia: Pachyonychia congenital is a rare genetic condition that affects the nails and skin. Pachyonychia congenital trachyonychia is characterized by the presence of rough, thickened nails that may be yellow or discolored. The nails may also be prone to splitting, lifting, or separating from the nail bed.
7. Systemic lupus erythematosus trachyonychia: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune condition that can affect multiple organs, including the skin and nails. Systemic lupus erythematosus trachyonychia is characterized by the presence of rough, ridged, or pebbly nails that may be thin, brittle, or prone to splitting. The nails may also be discolored or have a bluish tinge.
8. Raynaud’s disease trachyonychia: Raynaud’s disease is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the fingers and toes. Raynaud’s disease trachyonychia is characterized by the presence of rough, ridged.

Causes

Causes of trachyonychia in detail.

1. Alopecia areata: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss. It is believed that trachyonychia may be a result of the same autoimmune process that causes alopecia areata.
2. Atopic dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can affect the nails and cause trachyonychia.
3. Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can affect the nails and cause trachyonychia.
4. Lichen planus: Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition that can affect the nails and cause trachyonychia.
5. Onychomycosis: Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails that can cause trachyonychia.
6. Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen. It can affect the nails and cause trachyonychia.
7. Pemphigus vulgaris: Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disorder that can affect the nails and cause trachyonychia.
8. Systemic lupus erythematosus: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder that can affect the nails and cause trachyonychia.
9. Darier disease: Darier disease is a genetic disorder that can affect the nails and cause trachyonychia.
10. Pachyonychia congenita: Pachyonychia congenita is a genetic disorder that can cause thickened nails, which can lead to trachyonychia.
11. Nail patella syndrome: Nail patella syndrome is a genetic disorder that can affect the nails and cause trachyonychia.
12. Ectodermal dysplasia: Ectodermal dysplasia is a genetic disorder that can affect the nails and cause trachyonychia.
13. Iron deficiency anemia: Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which there is a lack of iron in the body, which can cause the nails to become brittle and lead to trachyonychia.
14. Zinc deficiency: Zinc deficiency is a condition in which there is a lack of zinc in the body, which can cause the nails to become brittle and lead to trachyonychia.
15. Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency is a condition in which there is a lack of vitamin D in the body, which can cause the nails to become brittle and lead to trachyonychia.
16. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. It can cause the nails to become brittle and lead to trachyonychia.
17. Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much hormones. It can cause the nails to become brittle and lead to trachyonychia.
18. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a treatment for cancer that can cause the nails to become brittle and lead to trachyonychia.
19. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is a treatment for cancer that can cause the nails to become brittle

Symptoms

This condition is characterized by the nails’ rough surface, longitudinal ridges, and brittleness. In this article, we will discuss the 20 symptoms of trachyonychia in detail.

1. Rough nails – One of the most common symptoms of trachyonychia is the rough surface of nails. The nails may feel rough to the touch and may look dull.
2. Longitudinal ridges – Trachyonychia can cause longitudinal ridges on the nails. These ridges run from the base of the nail to the tip and can be felt when you run your fingers over them.
3. Brittle nails – The nails affected by trachyonychia may become brittle and easily break or split. This is because the nails lose their natural strength and resilience.
4. Discoloration – Trachyonychia can cause the nails to become discolored. The nails may turn yellow, brown, or even green.
5. Nail thickness – The affected nails may become thicker than usual. This is due to the accumulation of keratin (a protein that makes up nails) in the nail plate.
6. Pitting – Trachyonychia can cause small depressions or pits on the nails. These pits are usually shallow and may not be very noticeable.
7. Crumbling – The affected nails may start to crumble or disintegrate. This can make the nails look ragged and uneven.
8. Nail detachment – Trachyonychia can cause the nails to detach from the nail bed. This can be painful and may increase the risk of infection.
9. Nail shape – The affected nails may change shape. They may become curved, spoon-shaped, or have a distorted appearance.
10. Nail texture – Trachyonychia can cause the nails to feel rough or bumpy. This can make it difficult to apply nail polish or other cosmetic products.
11. Nail growth – The affected nails may grow slower than usual. This can be frustrating for people who want their nails to grow quickly.
12. Nail thinning – In some cases, trachyonychia can cause the nails to become thinner than normal. This can make them more prone to breakage and other damage.
13. Itching – Trachyonychia may cause itching around the nails. This is because the rough surface of the nails can irritate the skin.
14. Pain – In some cases, trachyonychia can cause pain around the nails. This may be due to the nails detaching from the nail bed or other nail abnormalities.
15. Nail bleeding – Trachyonychia can cause the nails to bleed. This may occur if the nails detach from the nail bed or if the rough surface of the nails irritates the skin.
16. Redness – Trachyonychia can cause redness around the nails. This is due to inflammation of the skin around the nails.
17. Swelling – Trachyonychia may cause swelling around the nails. This can be uncomfortable and may make it difficult to use your hands or feet.
18. Sensitivity to touch – The affected nails may become sensitive to touch. This can make it uncomfortable to wear shoes or gloves.
19. Infection – Trachyonychia can increase the risk of nail infections. This is because the rough surface of the nails can make it easier for bacteria and fungi to enter the nail bed.
20. Emotional impact – Trachyonychia can have an emotional impact on people. The condition can affect self-esteem and confidence, especially if the nails are in a visible location.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis and tests for trachyonychia and a detailed explanation of each.

1. Physical Examination: The first step in diagnosing trachyonychia is through a physical examination of the nails. The doctor will look for any visible signs of ridging, pitting, or discoloration in the nails.
2. Medical History: The doctor will also take a medical history of the patient to determine if there are any underlying medical conditions that could be causing the trachyonychia.
3. Blood Tests: Blood tests may be performed to check for any underlying medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or thyroid disease.
4. Nail Clipping: A nail clipping may be taken to examine under a microscope to check for any abnormalities in the nail structure.
5. Biopsy: In some cases, a small piece of tissue may be removed from the nail bed and examined under a microscope to determine the underlying cause of the trachyonychia.
6. Skin Biopsy: A skin biopsy may be taken if there are other skin conditions present that could be contributing to the trachyonychia.
7. Culture Test: A culture test may be performed to determine if there is an infection present that could be causing the trachyonychia.
8. Skin Scraping: A skin scraping may be taken to check for any fungal infections that could be causing the trachyonychia.
9. Dermoscopy: A dermoscopy may be performed to examine the nails and surrounding skin for any abnormalities that could be contributing to the trachyonychia.
10. X-rays: X-rays may be taken to check for any bone abnormalities or damage to the nail bed that could be causing the trachyonychia.
11. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI may be performed to check for any soft tissue abnormalities that could be causing the trachyonychia.
12. Ultrasonography: Ultrasonography may be performed to check for any abnormalities in the blood vessels or tissues surrounding the nails.
13. Nail Fold Capillaroscopy: Nail fold capillaroscopy is a non-invasive test that uses a special microscope to examine the small blood vessels in the nail fold. This test can help to diagnose underlying medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders.
14. Skin Prick Test: A skin prick test may be performed to check for any allergies that could be causing the trachyonychia.
15. Patch Test: A patch test may be performed to check for any allergies to nail products or other substances that could be causing the trachyonychia.
16. Microscopic Examination: A microscopic examination may be performed to examine the nails and surrounding skin for any abnormalities.
17. Electrochemical Skin Conductance (ESC) Test: An ESC test is a non-invasive test that measures the electrical conductivity of the skin. This test can help to diagnose underlying medical conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy.
18. Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy: Nailfold videocapillaroscopy is a non-invasive test that uses a special microscope to examine the small blood vessels in the nail fold. This test can help to diagnose underlying medical conditions, such as Raynaud’s disease.
19. Immunofluorescence Test: An immunofluorescence test may be performed to check for

Treatment

Potential treatments for trachyonychia, including both medical and alternative therapies.

• Topical steroids: The use of topical steroids can help reduce inflammation in the nail bed and surrounding tissues. This can help improve the appearance and strength of the nails, but should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
• Systemic steroids: In more severe cases of trachyonychia, systemic steroids may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and promote healing. However, long-term use of these medications can have serious side effects and should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider.
• Calcipotriene: This medication is a form of vitamin D that has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of nail disorders. It can help improve the texture and strength of the nails in some people with trachyonychia.
• Tacrolimus: This medication is an immunosuppressant that can help reduce inflammation in the nails and surrounding tissues. It has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of nail disorders, including trachyonychia.
• Phototherapy: This treatment involves exposing the nails to ultraviolet light, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. It is often used in combination with other treatments, such as topical or systemic steroids.
• Retinoids: These medications are derived from vitamin A and can help improve the texture and appearance of the nails. They are often used in combination with other treatments, such as topical steroids.
• Coal tar: Coal tar is a byproduct of coal processing that has been used for many years to treat a variety of skin conditions, including nail disorders. It can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in some people with trachyonychia.
• Cyclosporine: This medication is an immunosuppressant that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in some people with trachyonychia. However, long-term use of this medication can have serious side effects and should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider.
• Methotrexate: This medication is a type of chemotherapy that can help reduce inflammation in the nails and surrounding tissues. It has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of nail disorders, including trachyonychia.
• Biologics: Biologics are a class of medications that target specific molecules involved in the immune system. They can be effective in treating autoimmune disorders, including those that may be associated with trachyonychia.
• Antifungals: Fungal infections can cause nail disorders that may be similar in appearance to trachyonychia. Antifungal medications can help clear up these infections and improve the appearance of the nails.
• Antibiotics: Bacterial infections can also cause nail disorders that may be similar in appearance to trachyonychia. Antibiotics can help clear up these infections and improve the appearance of the nails.
• Laser therapy: This treatment involves using a laser to target and destroy diseased tissue in the nails and surrounding tissues. It can help improve the appearance and strength of the nails, but may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and reduce inflammation. It has been
• Nail softeners – Nail softeners can be applied to the nails to help soften them and make them easier to manage. They work by hydrating the nails and reducing the buildup of dead skin cells and keratin that can cause rough, brittle nails.
• Moisturizers – Moisturizers can be applied to the nails to help keep them hydrated and prevent them from becoming dry and brittle. They work by trapping moisture in the nails and reducing the buildup of dead skin cells and keratin.
• Nail strengtheners – Nail strengtheners can be applied to the nails to help make them stronger and more resilient. They work by providing the nails with essential vitamins and minerals that can improve their structure and reduce breakage.
• Nail polish – Nail polish can be used to improve the appearance of the nails and cover up any discoloration or roughness. However, it is important to choose a nail polish that is free

References