Histomorphological Study of Nail Changes in Various Dermatoses - An Understudied Entity in Dermatopathology

In a descriptive study conducted over 18 months, 50 nail punch biopsies were examined to identify histomorphological features of various nail diseases and to demonstrate the diagnostic value of histopathology in nail conditions. The biopsies were processed with Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) stains when necessary. Psoriasis was the most common condition found in 38% of the cases, followed by onychomycosis diagnosed in 24% with the help of H&E and PAS stains. Other conditions included pigmentary disorders (14%), lichen planus (10%), and alopecia areata (6%), while 8% of cases had nonspecific microscopic features. The study concluded that histomorphological evaluation of nail biopsies is valuable for understanding nail involvement in various dermatoses and assists in making accurate diagnoses.