FAQ 36-4: Dermatology

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EDITORIAL

» Dear Colleagues,

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.

Tracey C. Vlahovic,  DPM

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Disclosure

Data Trace Publishing Company Continuing Education Mission Statement

Data Trace Publishing Company is committed to providing high-quality print and internet-based enduring continuing education programs, including lectures, feature articles, and condensations and commentaries on current clinical podiatric topics and medical risk management topics which lead to improved delivery of patient care and help reduce the potential for medical errors. These programs are provided to meet the educational needs of the podiatric medical profession and thereby enhance the quality of patient care.

Program Objectives

Foot and Ankle Quarterly (FAQ) is a unique program designed to help today’s podiatric physician manage an ever-increasing flow of information. After completing the Foot and Ankle Quarterly, Volume 36 program, the learner should be better able to: develop and refine a perspective on current treatment recommendations, updates, and advances pertinent to podiatric practice; evaluate the implications of the learned information as it pertains to the diagnosis and treatment of podiatric disorders and societal issues and barriers, and; apply current trends, standards, and best practices into learner’s own practice.

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Data Trace Publishing Company is approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) as a provider of continuing education in podiatric medicine. Data Trace Publishing Company has approved this activity for a maximum of 6 continuing education contact hours (CECHs). Physicians should claim only the contact hours commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

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Date of release: January 30, 2026
Expiration Date: January 30, 2029 (unless further validated and extended by provider). For amended dates of activity expiration, please see FAQ Activity Effective Dates at www.datatrace.com).

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No commercial interest provided financial support for this continuing education activity.

CECH Note

Participants of Volume 36, Issue 4 will receive a max- imum of 6 CECHs for a correctly-completed CME Answer Form submitted to Data Trace Publishing Company for scoring. In order to qualify for CECHs, a score of 70% or more must be achieved on the writ- ten examination material. Any participant who does not pass the first time may take the exam one additional time (within 90 days of receipt of results). A new test must be submitted to Data Trace Publishing Company with a fee of $15. Data Trace Publishing Company will score the tests and notify participants of their scores within 30 days. You will be responsible for notifying your state of the number of contact hours you have received. Participants are requested to complete a course evaluation for use in developing future issues and to meet the unique educational needs of podiatric physicians.

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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
  • CME Questionnaire

 

 

Issue Content

36-4 FEATURE ARTICLE: Update on Toenail Onychomycosis
36-4 CONDENSATIONS and COMMENTARIES
36-4 AUDIO LECTURE 1: Nail Surgery Techniques
36-4 COURSE EVALUATION Quiz
36-4 CME QUIZ: Dermatology