pterygium inversum unguis
Last reviewed 01/2018
- pterygium inversum unguis - this condition is similar to the pterygium
of the proximal nail fold as seen in lichen planus
- occurs when the volar skin near the hyponychium adheres to the nail plate - this eliminates the distal nail groove and progresses proximally to the nail bed
- pterygium inversum unguis occurs as a congenital form and an acquired form
- acquired form
is seen most commonly with systemic connective tissue diseases
- especially seen in progressive systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus
- involvement
may be with the entire nail or just a portion
- one or more nail units may be involved
- skin in the distal nail unit becomes atrophic
- changes are secondary to vascular flow occlusion which creates distal hypoxaemia
Reference:
- Zaiac MN, Daniel CR. Nails in systemic disease Dermatologic Therapy 2002;15 (2); 99–106.