Sophia Delgado
Pincer nails are a common nail deformity, usually affecting toenails. They are characterised by nail thickening, nail plate deformation and excessive curvature, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. Pincer nails can be caused by a range of factors, from biomechanical or arthritic changes to fungal disease, psoriasis, medications, tumours or cysts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A pincer nail is a nail deformity characterised by excessive curvature of the nail plate, impinging on both the lateral nail folds. |
| Causes | Biomechanical or arthritic changes, fungal disease, psoriasis, medications (e.g. beta-blockers), tumours, cysts, chronic health conditions, tight shoes, gait abnormalities |
| Symptoms | Pain, discomfort, swelling, redness, tenderness, increased risk of infection |
| Treatment | Removal of the lateral ingrowing nail plate or the lateral hypertrophic nail folds |
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What You'll Learn
Pincer nails are a common nail deformity
Pincer nails are characterised by excessive transverse curvature of the nail, which progressively increases along its longitudinal axis. The curvature is greatest at the distal end, leading to an ingrown nail and causing pain, discomfort and significant cosmetic alteration. Depending on the type of distal curvature, three types of pincer nails have been identified: omega nail, plicated nail and tile-shaped nail.
Omega nail is an arched nail, which is almost trumpet-shaped. A plicated nail is characterised by the ingrowing of one nail plate end more than the other, while a tile-shaped nail has sharply bent lateral ends. Pincer nails can be treated by a podiatrist, who can provide treatment options such as the removal of the lateral ingrowing nail plate or the lateral hypertrophic nail folds.
Pincer nails usually develop slowly over time and can cause severe pain for patients. Understanding the clinical characteristics and treatment progress of a pincer nail will help clinicians provide comprehensive and evidence-based information about the condition, allowing them to select the most appropriate treatment according to the patient's needs and the clinical manifestations of the deformity.
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Pincer nails are also known as trumpet nails
Pincer nails are a severe variant of ingrown nails, and are often caused by biomechanical or arthritic changes, as well as tight footwear, gait abnormalities, and certain medications. There are three types of pincer nails: omega nails, which are arched and almost trumpet-shaped; plicated nails, which are characterised by one nail plate end growing more than the other; and tile-shaped nails, which have sharply bent lateral ends.
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Pincer nails are caused by biomechanical or arthritic changes
Pincer nails are a common nail deformity, particularly of the toenails, that is characterised by nail thickening and nail plate deformation. The nail plate curves in, with the sides of the nail curving inwards and pinching the surrounding skin. This can cause the skin to become red, tender and swollen, and it can also increase the risk of infection.
There are three types of pincer nails: omega nails, plicated nails, and tile-shaped nails. Omega nails are arched and almost trumpet-shaped. Plicated nails are characterised by the ingrowing of one nail plate end more than the other, while tile-shaped nails have sharply bent lateral ends.
The management of pincer nails involves the removal of the lateral ingrowing nail plate or the lateral hypertrophic nail folds. A podiatrist can provide treatment options.
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Pincer nails can be treated by a podiatrist
Pincer nails are a common nail deformity, particularly of the toenails, and can be treated by a podiatrist. A pincer nail is characterised by an excessively curved nail plate, which impinges on both the lateral nail folds. This excessive curvature is much more pronounced at the distal end, causing a pinching up of the distal nail bed. This can be very painful and cause discomfort and significant cosmetic alteration.
Pincer nails can be caused by biomechanical or arthritic changes, fungal disease, psoriasis, medications such as beta-blockers, or tumours or cysts. They can also be caused by anatomical variation of the nail plate axis, tight footwear, gait abnormalities, and chronic health conditions.
A podiatrist can provide treatment options for pincer nails. Treatment involves the removal of the lateral ingrowing nail plate or the lateral hypertrophic nail folds.
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Pincer nails can be caused by fungal disease or psoriasis
Pincer nails are a common nail deformity, particularly of toenails, and are characterised by nail thickening and nail plate deformation. The nail plate curves in, with the sides of the nail curving inwards and pinching the surrounding skin. This can cause the skin to become red, tender and swollen, and it also raises the risk of infection.
There are three types of pincer nails: omega nails, which are arched and almost trumpet-shaped; plicated nails, which are characterised by one nail plate end growing more than the other; and tile-shaped nails, which have sharply bent lateral ends.
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Frequently asked questions
A pincer nail is a nail deformity characterised by an excessive curvature of the nail plate, impinging on both the lateral nail folds.
A pincer nail is a severe variant of an ingrown nail, where the nail plate curves in. The sides of the nail curve in, pinching the surrounding skin.
Causes of pincer nails include biomechanical or arthritic changes, fungal disease, psoriasis, medications such as beta-blockers, and tumours or cysts. They can also be caused by tight shoes, certain medications, and gait abnormalities.
A podiatrist can provide treatment options for pincer nails. Management of the condition involves the removal of the lateral ingrowing nail plate or the lateral hypertrophic nail folds.
