Annals of Medical and Surgical Dermatology

ABSTRACT

A 60-year-old woman, a rural carpet weaver with no specific medical history, presented with a 10-year history of thumb nail dystrophy. This rare condition, known as Heller’s canaliform dystrophy (HCD), is characterized by a central longitudinal depression with parallel transverse ridges resembling a fir branch. In this case, it was symmetrically present on both thumb nails with macro-lunula. Notably, there was no paronychia, subungual hyperkeratosis, or pain. Similar findings were observed on the right big toe nail. HCD is often underdiagnosed, and its diagnosis is clinical. Unlike most cases in the literature where it accompanies psychological issues, here, the dystrophy was linked to the patient's occupation, prompting consideration of it as an occupational pathology. The patient wasn't bothered aesthetically, leading to therapeutic abstention. This case emphasizes the potential association between occupational factors and HCD, urging further discussion and research within the dermatological community.

Article History

Received 2 January 2024; Revised 22 March 2024; Accepted 28 March 2024

KEYWORDS

1. Nail dystrophy
2. Soleonychia
3. Nevus striatus unguis
4. Nail trauma