Clin Dermatol. 2021 Sep-Oct;39(5):819-828. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.05.009. Epub 2021 May 15.
ABSTRACT
The nail is a specialized keratinous skin appendage that is often overlooked, even though nail disorders comprise approximately 10% of all dermatologic conditions. We provide an overview on the basic anatomy of the nail and function of each structure. We examine the chemical profile, including the keratin and mineral composition, of the nail plate. Subsequently, nail manifestations are reviewed, as virtually every nutritional deficiency can affect nail growth in some manner. We focus on how each nutritional deficiency can affect the different anatomic structures of the nail unit. The terminology and the differential diagnoses of the many different nail plate and nail bed abnormalities are reviewed. Finally, we focus on the evidence behind nutrition-based treatments in the setting of several nail disorders.
PMID:34785009 | DOI:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.05.009
About The Author
Patrick Blanchard MD
Meet Dr. Blanchard
Dr. Blanchard’s medical practice is an embodiment of Integrative health which brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. Conveniently located in sunny Florida and over the internet with ValiseMD’s secure HIPPA compliant telXmed servers. Since 1994, patients with a wide range of challenging medical problems have achieved optimum health using the best of natural medicine, judiciously combined with high-tech innovations. Breakthroughs are often achieved even after patients have consulted mainstream specialists and holistic practitioners.
Dr. Blanchard is founder and CEO of ValiseMD, Inc. He is board certified in Family Medicine since 1994 and awarded Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2001. He received the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award from the University of Kansas School of Medicine at completion of his residency in Family Medicine. He completed a fellowship at Wake Forest University in the field of vascular neurosonology. He holds a medical patent in the field of Gastroenterology. He holds an unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in Florida. He started his medical career as a Emergency Medical Technician, then as a Paramedic and later a Medical Doctor.
