Evaluation and Management of Nail Diseases
Nail disease is a common presentation in general practice. The most frequent conditions presenting to general practice include onychomycosis, psoriasis, trauma and melanonychia. Recognising the clinical features of the various nail diseases can ensure that patient referrals to a dermatologist are prompt and that diagnosis and treatment are not delayed. Nail disease can be difficult to treat given the anatomy and associated poor penetrance of treatments, and results may take time to occur; thus, having realistic expectations of treatment outcomes and knowing when to refer in treatment failure is important. Patients with longitudinal melanonychia and other features demonstrating dystrophy in the absence of trauma should be promptly referred to a dermatology service.
Modern Medicine – Issue 1, 2025
