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Anonychia - The Partial Or Total Loss Of Nails

Anonychia (absence of nails) is a rare anomaly that can be caused by a congenital ectodermal defect, ichthyosis, a severe infection, prenatal exposure to phenytoin, severe allergic contact dermatitis, or other severe exfoliative diseases.

Author:Dr. Felix Chaosphere
Reviewer:Xander Oddity
Jun 27, 2022
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Anonychia(absence of nails) is a rare disease that can be caused by a congenital ectodermal defect, ichthyosis, a severe infection, prenatal exposure to phenytoin, severe allergic contact dermatitis, or other severe exfoliative diseases.
Anonychia is a relatively uncommon hereditary disorder that can affect either the fingernails or the toenails.
People who have this disorder often do not have any fingernails or toenails remaining on any of their digits or toes (anonychia).
The nail matrix can be destroyed by a variety of processes, including trauma, infection, and burns; this will result in the nail not growing again.
In many cases, little fragments of the nail will be left behind, which might lead to other secondary abnormalities.
Foot suffering from anonychia disease
Foot suffering from anonychia disease
Anonychia is a congenital condition that affects very few people and is characterized by the absence of nails.
It may also be found in association with congenital developmental abnormalities such as microcephaly and wide-spaced teeth (both of which have an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance), autosomal dominant Cooks syndrome, etc.
Anonychia can potentially manifest itself as an autosomal recessive condition in the affected individual.

Anonychia Symptoms

The symptoms of anonychia are that it can be after delivery, or a portion of the nail is affected.
This nail deficiency is immediately observable after delivery (congenital).
In some circumstances, only a portion of the nail is lost (a condition known as hyponychia), while in other instances, only some of the fingers and toes are affected.
The remaining tissues near the tips of the fingers and toes, including the structures that typically support the nail and its growth (such as the nail bed), are healthy and unaffected by the condition.
A foot affected with congenital anonychia
A foot affected with congenital anonychia

Anonychia Causes

Anonychia congenita is caused by mutations in the RSPO4 gene, which is located on chromosome 20p13.
R-spondin-4 is a protein that can be made from the RSPO4 gene, which contains the instructions for generating the protein.
The Wnt signaling pathway is a sequence of processes that influence the way cells and tissues develop.
R-spondin-4 is involved in this route and plays a function in its operation.
Wnt signaling is essential for many different cellular processes, including cell division, the process of cells adhering to one another (called adhesion), the migration of cells, and many more.
Wnt signaling is an essential component in the early stages of development when it comes to the expansion and maturation of the nail bed.
R-spondin-4 is a protein that is active in the skeleton and contributes to the construction of limbs.
It does this most notably at the tips of the fingers and toes, where nail growth takes place.

Anonychia Treatment

It was determined that the patient had anonychia (congenital nonsyndromic simple partial) based on the clinical symptoms and history of the condition. Treatment consists of either complete inactivity or the application of artificial nails.

Nail Grafts

For the purpose of nail reconstruction, both free partial and composite nonvascularized nail grafts have been described by McCash and Lilleet al.
When it comes to the complete restoration of a nail bed, you'll require both germinal and sterile matrices.
To achieve an appearance that was comparable to that of the fingernail's breadth, Zook suggested doing a full-thickness, second-toe germinal, and sterile matrix graft.

Skin Grafts

To a lesser extent than nail bed grafts, however, imitations of the nail's appearance have been achieved by using skin grafts.
For the treatment of traumatic nail absence and congenital nail absence in which numerous digits are implicated, proponents of this procedure have recommended its use.
The scar is removed from the fingertip in the shape of a nail that is 10 percent bigger than normal, and it is replaced with a split or full-thickness skin transplant that is similarly shaped.
A baby hands and feet suffering from Anonychia Congenita
A baby hands and feet suffering from Anonychia Congenita

Anonychia Congenita

Anonychia congenita is a very uncommon genetic condition that affects the fingernails and toenails.
It is also known as congenital absence of nails, isolated congenital anonychia, or autosomal recessive nonsyndromic congenital nail disorder type 4.
This condition is caused by a mutation in the autosomal recessive gene.
Reddit user froggysaysno said, "Acquired nail loss can result from trauma, infection, medication or as part of severe skin or metabolic diseases. Congenital anonychia occurs in various genetic syndromes"
Another Reddit usershared that he had suffered from this disease and how he deal with that, "Honestly, the drawbacks aren't really that bad, and pretty easy to adapt to. I have this condition, but I still have nail beds.
I scratch by roughly rubbing the itch. Friction it [is] amazingly efficient at calming an itch. Picking up change off the floor can be tricky, but if you apply pressure to one edge of the coun the other will usually lift up enough to grab it.
But the benefits include no clipping, no cleaning, no hangnails, no ingrown toenails, and having a cool and interesting conversation starter. I'm 38 now and if somehow I started growing nails I would be so incredibly pissed. Grateful every day to not have to deal with them."

People Also Ask

What Causes Anonychia?

The condition known as anonychia can either be present at birth or developed later in life. An acquired case of anonychia could be brought on by adverse drug reactions, trauma, surgical ablation, frostbite, or inadequate blood flow to the area.

What Causes Anonychia Congenita?

Anonychia congenita is brought on by abnormalities in the RSPO4 gene. R-spondin-4 is a protein that can be made from the RSPO4 gene, which contains the instructions for generating the protein.

How Common Is Anonychia?

Anonychia has only been reported in a small handful of patients; it is thought to be an autosomal recessive characteristic that is passed down through generations.

Conclusion

Anonychia can occur when the nail fields do not form or when the proximal nail folds do not form nail plates. Both of these conditions can lead to anonychia. This defect, which was present at birth, is permanent.
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Dr. Felix Chaosphere

Dr. Felix Chaosphere

Author
Dr. Felix Chaosphere, a renowned and eccentric psychiatrist, is a master of unraveling the complexities of the human mind. With his wild and untamed hair, he embodies the essence of a brilliant but unconventional thinker. As a sexologist, he fearlessly delves into the depths of human desire and intimacy, unearthing hidden truths and challenging societal norms. Beyond his professional expertise, Dr. Chaosphere is also a celebrated author, renowned for his provocative and thought-provoking literary works. His written words mirror the enigmatic nature of his persona, inviting readers to explore the labyrinthine corridors of the human psyche. With his indomitable spirit and insatiable curiosity, Dr. Chaosphere continues to push boundaries, challenging society's preconceived notions and inspiring others to embrace their own inner tumult.
Xander Oddity

Xander Oddity

Reviewer
Xander Oddity, an eccentric and intrepid news reporter, is a master of unearthing the strange and bizarre. With an insatiable curiosity for the unconventional, Xander ventures into the depths of the unknown, fearlessly pursuing stories that defy conventional explanation. Armed with a vast reservoir of knowledge and experience in the realm of conspiracies, Xander is a seasoned investigator of the extraordinary. Throughout his illustrious career, Xander has built a reputation for delving into the shadows of secrecy and unraveling the enigmatic. With an unyielding determination and an unwavering belief in the power of the bizarre, Xander strives to shed light on the unexplained and challenge the boundaries of conventional wisdom. In his pursuit of the truth, Xander continues to inspire others to question the world around them and embrace the unexpected.
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