Pincer Nails – A Rare Manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This article describes a rare case of pincer nail deformity in a 22-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The patient exhibited painful nail dystrophy, diffuse hair loss, oral ulcers, and Raynaud’s phenomena. Pincer nail deformity, characterized by thickening and increased curvature of the nail plate, is uncommon in SLE, with nail abnormalities occurring in about 31% of SLE patients. The exact cause of pincer nails in SLE is unclear, but may involve vascular issues like Raynaud’s phenomena. The case highlights the rarity of pincer nails in SLE and suggests conservative management, though surgical options exist.