Nail problem - *PICS*

Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.

Yes, I know the following are fingers, but I figure some of you might know what this is.

I was emailed these pictures from a friend. Her 2.5 yr old son has these dry, brittle nails. No apparent pain, but nails often crack. She says it started on only a few nails, but has now spread to all 10 fingers. His toenails are similar, but not as severe.

His pediatrician seemed to have dismissed it and only recommended using Vaseline, which has not helped.

Any ideas / suggestions?

 

Anybody?

Or am I missing something completely obvious? I have been known to nod off during class

 

Lichen planus??
He's not in the usual age group, but it can occasionally occur in the nails without skin involvement.

Otherwise I'd be considering a dermatitis i think...what does he touch with all of his fingers and potentially also his toes...

I'd explore an allergy to something in his paints, play-doh, or food. Does he have any other excema-like symptoms?

 

These nails appear to be absent.I see a possible candidiasis.Run a fungal culture.If absent,run blood tests to R/O systemic causes.

 

These nails looked like candidiasis....I see the nail folds were markedly affected.

 

Thanks everybody.

I've forwarded this thread to my friend so she can run it by his pediatrician. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out.

Ed