Pediatric nail conditions

Pediatric nail findings are plentiful and can range from benign processes to the initial signs of a systemic condition. The examination of the nail is an essential part of the pediatric physical examination. The nail unit consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix, the hyponychium, the nail bed, and the surrounding nail folds. Conditions that affect the nail unit have a variety of etiologies; these include inflammatory, congenital, and hereditary conditions as well as tumors and trauma. This review describes many of the nail conditions that are seen in the pediatric population.