Role of onychoscopy in diagnosis of psoriatic nail disorders in adults

Abstract

Nail psoriasis (NP) is a prevalent and impairing form of plaque-type psoriasis that has a significant impact on the patient's physical and mental well-being. The prevalence of NP without any involvement in skin or arthritis ranges from 0% to 6%. Dermoscopy of the nail bed is quite beneficial for individuals with NP as it enables the observation of the erythematous border that surrounds the outermost part of the detachment. Onychoscopy refers to the use of dermatoscopy to examine the nail unit and its parts. Onychoscopy facilitates enhanced and more detailed examination of nail characteristics that are not obvious to the naked eye. Nevertheless, nails possess a more intricate composition compared to skin, therefore onychoscopy diverges from skin dermatoscopy in notable manners.