Hair & Nail Conditions

Introduction

Conditions affecting the hair and nails are common and can vary widely in cause, appearance, and severity. Changes in hair growth, hair loss, or nail colour, shape, and strength may reflect local skin disease or, in some cases, an underlying medical condition.

A broad and varied group of conditions

Hair and nail disorders may arise from many different causes, including:

• Inflammatory conditions

• Autoimmune disorders

• Infections (fungal, bacterial, or viral)

• Tumours or skin cancers affecting the hair or nail unit

• Trauma, particularly to the nails, which can lead to acute or lasting changes in appearance

Because of this wide range, similar-appearing symptoms can have very different underlying diagnoses.

Assessment and diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis often requires a detailed clinical assessment, including careful examination of the scalp, hair, nails, and the rest of the skin to look for associated features or clues. Dermoscopy may be used to examine hair and nail changes more closely.

In some cases, further investigations may be required to confirm the diagnosis. This can include skin or nail swabs and nail clippings for bacterial or fungal culture, as well as hair samples or scalp biopsies, where appropriate.

Management

Management depends on the underlying cause and may include general skin or nail care measures, topical treatments, intralesional therapies, or systemic medications.

Accurate diagnosis is important to guide effective treatment and avoid unnecessary or ineffective interventions.