Diagnosis: Nail Dystrophy (alopecia areata)
A linear arrangement of pits may occur in a longitudinal manner.
A linear arrangement of pits may occur in a longitudinal manner.
Submitted by Alaa Saad. Originally posted October 20, 2010.
See case discussion.
• Median nail dystrophy • Lichen planus (nail) • Psoriatic nail dystrophy • Onychomycosis • Darier disease (nail)
• Central longitudinal ridge with horizontal grooves on thumbnail — "washboard" or "fir tree" pattern • Caused by habitual picking/pushing of proximal nail fold/cuticle • Most common on thumbnails — bilateral involvement common • Diagnosis is clinical — patient often unaware of the habit • Enlarged lunula (from chronic cuticle manipulation) is a clue • Completely reversible if the habit stops
Tags: nail, dystrophy, alopecia, areata, alaa saad