Changes in nail in the aged

Abstract

Nail complaints are very common among the elderly. These may represent either normal age-related nail alterations or nail dystrophies that tend to be more common in the elderly secondary to several factors including impaired circulation, faulty biomechanics, infections, neoplasms, and dermatological or systemic diseases [1, 2]. Alone or in combination, these factors may affect the matrix, nail bed, hyponychium, or nail folds leading to secondary abnormalities in the nail plate. These nail alterations may be symptomatic and may impair daily activities or may be associated with significant cosmetic problems leading to a negative psychological impact. Knowledge of these age-related nail changes and dystrophies as well as their underlying causes is important in order to effectively reach an accurate diagnosis and thus provide better care for the nail concerns of this large and growing elderly population. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.