Akshika Mukhija, Chaitanya Namdeo, Kailash Bhatia, Pankaj Kohli, Oshin Jain
BACKGROUND Superficial nail abnormalities include conditions which produce nail surface changes such as trachonychia, pitting and ridging etc. These surface nail changes can be idiopathic or may be acquired. Acquired nail plate changes occur due to external factors (like application of cosmetic products) or as a part of other dermatological (Psoriasis, Lichen Planus, Alopecia Areata) or systemic disease (Hypothyroidism, CRF etc,). Although treating the underlying disease can help in management of nail changes, the visible results in nails takes time to appear due to slow growth rate of nails. In such patients where cosmetic results are desired, glycolic acid peel acts as a non-invasive, non-cumbersome, easy and acceptable method of management. The aim of the study is to assess the safety and efficacy of medium depth peel (70% glycolic acid) in patients with superficial nail abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective, single-center open-label uncontrolled study conducted at tertiary care hospital in Dermatology OPD between January 2017 to January 2018. A total of 33 cases were taken with superficial nail changes including dryness, roughness, discoloration, pitting and longitudinal ridging. RESULTS In 30 patients with dry rough nails, 20 (66.6%) patients had good results 8 (26.7%) patients had average results and 2 (6.6%) were non-responsive to treatment. CONCLUSION The nail plate with application of 70% glycolic acid can be a promising treatment for modality for thick, uneven, rough and pigmented nail-plate conditions with cosmetically pleasing results.
