This article is only available in the PDF format. Download the PDF to view the article, as well as its associated figures and tables.
The subject of this report had severe onychauxis of all the finger and toe nails. The administration of thyroid extract over a period of six months was followed by disappearance of the condition. The photographs taken before and after this treatment illustrate very well the transformation that occurred. A brief history of the case follows:
CASE REPORT
A married woman (88128, Skin Clinic), aged 49, called, September, 1920, presenting severe onychauxis of the finger nails and, to a less extent, of the toe nails. The process started on the fingers in June, 1920, and in September on the large toes, extending fairly rapidly to the other toes. The patient presented a condition of general dryness of the skin, with scaly, itchy areas on the outer arms and thighs, left elbow, left knee and the umbilicus. She also had severe pruritus vulvae. The skin generally was pasty and coarse, with dilated pores and hypertrichosis. The patient perspired easily. Physical examination disclosed nothing except a few enlarged cervical glands and evident lack of care of the teeth. The thyroid was not enlarged, but was palpable.