The nail unit remains a critical yet often underappreciated component of clinical evaluation...,
reflecting localized disease, systemic pathology, and the effects of environmental, cosmetic and mechanical influences. This issue brings together a carefully curated collection of scholarly work that highlights the breadth, complexity and continued evolution of nail medicine and surgery.
This issue’s Feature Article, “Update on Toenail Onychomycosis,” synthesizes current diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based management in the treatment of fungal nail disease. The Condensations and Commentaries section offers a diverse examination of nail health from multiple perspectives. Topics include the safety and potential health risks associated with nail products within the cosmetics industry, the diagnostic implications of biotin supplementation and its interference with allergy testing, and the role of ultrasound in evaluating cosmetic nail changes. Collectively, these contributions emphasize the expanding intersection between nail pathology, public health and diagnostic innovation.
Other topics explored include mechanical and activity-related nail disorders (through a focused discussion on runner’s toenail and the physiologic demands of marathon training), as well as infectious and systemic disease manifestations (through case-based and literature-supported reviews of nail changes in secondary syphilis and nail involvement in pemphigus). These articles underscore the importance of recognizing nail findings as valuable clinical indicators that may extend beyond the nail unit itself.
This issue also examines complex diagnostic and surgical challenges, including the evaluation and diagnosis of longitudinal melanonychia, advances in the surgical management of pincer nail deformity, and outcome-based analysis of ingrown toenail treatment using modified surgical techniques. Finally, an international, multi-institutional retrospective cohort study on the diagnosis and management of yellow nail syndrome further highlights the value of collaborative research in advancing understanding of rare but clinically significant conditions.
To complement the written content, this issue includes two Audio Lectures designed to enhance clinical learning and practical application. Our first lecture focuses on nail surgery techniques, while our second (presented by Jasmine Rana, MD) offers valuable insight into conservative management strategies within the nail unit for digital myxoid cysts (DMCs).
As Guest Editor, I am pleased to present this issue as a reflection of the growing sophistication and interdisciplinary nature of nail medicine. It is my hope that the articles and lectures contained herein will support clinical excellence, encourage thoughtful diagnosis, and inspire continued scholarly engagement in this evolving field.
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Article Authors and Lecturers
Darrell R. Latva (n.)
Paul Lucas (n.)
Jasmine Rana (1. Data Trace Publishing Co)
Ashka Trivedi (n.)
Tracey C. Vlahovic (1. Data Trace Publishing Co)
Qeena C. Woodard (n.)
Martin Yorath (n.)
FAQ Journal Planning Committee
Chrissy Wesolowski (n.)
Lauren Molander (n.)
Stephanie Wu, DPM, MSc (n.)
Foot and Ankle Quarterly
36-4 Contributors
Guest Editor
Tracey C. Vlahovic, DPM, FFPM, RCPS (Glasg)
Professor, Samuel Merritt University College of Podiatric Medicine, Oakland, CA
Contributors
Darrell R. Latva, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM Associate Professor, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL; Diplomate, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and American Board of Podiatric Medicine
Paul Lucas, DPM, FACFAS
Jasmine Rana, MD Dermatologist, Overlake Hospital Clinics, Bellevue, WA
Ashka Trivedi, DPM Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine and Science, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL
Qeena C. Woodard, DPM, DPM, MHPE, FACPM, FACFAS Associate Dean of Clinical Experiences, Associate Professor, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Department, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL
Martin Yorath, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM, FFPM, RCPS (Glasgow) Medical Director (Retired), Rosalind Franklin University Health Clinics, North Chicago, IL
36-4 In This Issue
FEATURE ARTICLE: Update on Toenail Onychomycosis
Tracey C. Vlahovic, DPM, FFPM, RCPS (Glasg)
CONDENSATIONS and COMMENTARIES
The Safety of Nail Products: Health Threats in the Nail Industry
Commentary by Ashka Trivedi, DPM
Biotin Supplementation: The Cause of Hypersensitivity and Significant Interference in Allergy Diagnostics
Commentary by Ashka Trivedi, DPM
Ultrasound Evaluation of Cosmetic Changes in Nails: A Case Series and Literature Review
Commentary by Ashka Trivedi, DPM
Runner’s Toenail: How Does Marathon Training Lead to Runner’s Toenail Injuries?
Commentary by Qeena C. Woodard, DPM, MHPE, FACPM, FACFAS
Nail Changes in Secondary Syphilis: A Report of Three Cases and Review of Literature
Commentary by Qeena C. Woodard, DPM, MHPE, FACPM, FACFAS
Nail Involvement in Pemphigus: A Clinical and Dermoscopic Prospective Study
Commentary by Martin Yorath, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM, FFPM, RCPS (Glasg)
Evaluation and Diagnosis of Longitudinal Melanonychia: A Clinical Review by a Nail Expert Group
Commentary by Martin Yorath, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM, FFPM, RCPS (Glasg)
A New Surgical Treatment of Pincer Nail Deformity Using Artificial Dermis
Commentary by Darrell R. Latva, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM
Results of Ingrown Toenails Treated with Modified Winograd Technique Using Lateral Edge Inversion Modification
Commentary by Darrell R. Latva, DPM, FACFAS, FACPM
Diagnosis and Management of Yellow Nail Syndrome: An International Multi-Institutional Retrospective Cohort Study of 111 Cases by an Expert Panel Commentary by Paul Lucus, DPM, FACFAS
AUDIO LECTURE 1: Nail Surgery Techniques
Tracey C. Vlahovic, DPM, FFPM, RCPS (Glasg)
AUDIO LECTURE 2: Digital Myxoid Cysts (DMCs): Approach to Treatment around the Nail Unit with a Focus on Non-Surgical In-Office Treatments
Jasmine Rana, MD