Information pertaining to nondermatologic applications of nails was collected. These articles were retrieved and classified as case reports, review articles, and clinical trials. We used the key-words “nail clipping,” “nail DNA,” “nail diabetes mellitus,” “nail clipping oncology,” “nail forensic,” and “nail biometrics.” The searches yielded 82, 685, 437, 8, 122, and 2 indexed articles respectively, in English. It has attained the status of “a true window”, not just to disease, but also to the health status of an individual.įor this review, information was collected by a PubMed search of articles published regarding the nondermatological uses of nail specimens. With developments in molecular biology and genetics, the nail is increasingly being seen as an ideal source of obtaining human specimens. This article focuses on the non dermatological relevance of this appendage. However, not many dermatologists know the amount of attention it receives outside our specialty. It is also useful in diagnosis and as a marker of systemic disease. We know of its special structure and biological uses. Over the years, there is increasing interest in the study of the nail in health and disease. We highlight the numerous roles of nail specimens, as well as point towards future research needed therein.
#Nail clippings skin#
It is clear from recent literature that the nail is not just an inert skin appendage, but a dynamic window into the ever-changing metabolic and genetic milieu. Retrieved articles were searched for information pertaining to non-dermatologic uses of nail for evaluation, which is presented in a narrative fashion. For this narrative review, we carried out a PubMed search using the key words “nail clipping,” “nail DNA,” “nail diabetes mellitus ” “nail clipping oncology,” and “nail forensics”. Nails, being peripherally placed, are easy to sample without significant discomfort to the patient, making them a valuable diagnostic tool. With an increased undrstanding of nail physiology, there is now a better understanding of its connection to various pathologies as well. It is also an excellent source of germ-line DNA for genetic analyses. Therefore it can be used to monitor long-term consumption of drugs. The nail is a keratinized matrix capable of continuous growth with the ability to incorporate various compounds within its structure. This article focuses on the nail in non-dermatological contexts. AbstractThe nail is an important skin appendage, but not many dermatologists are aware of the importance it receives outside our specialty.
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