This monograph-like book provides an excellent overview of diseases of the nail. It is filled with high-quality, glossy color photographs, accompanied by text that is detailed enough to provide for a clear understanding of the subject matter. At the same time, the text is concise enough to allow for an easy grasp of the material.
Early chapters in the book include a brief review of nail anatomy and a discussion of the approach to a patient with nail disease. This is followed by an excellent and thorough review of nail signs and their definitions. The discussion of nail dystrophies and chromonychias is split into 2 chapters. Additional chapters cover infectious nail disorders, nail manifestations of cutaneous and systemic diseases, and nail tumors. Nail changes associated with genodermatoses and pediatric and aging populations are also reviewed. The chapter on basic nail surgical procedures including principles and techniques will be much appreciated by those who fear to tread in this area. The information on nail cosmetics is well done and gives good insight into everyday clinical problems.