Nail Lacquer: A Common Artifact That May Go Unrecognized

Alexandra E Reis, BA, Ajay N Amarnani, MD, Christopher A D’Angelis, MD, PhD, Thomas N Helm, MD

Abstract


Nail specimens are being submitted with increased frequency to confirm a diagnosis of onychomycosis, diagnose an inflammatory dermatosis, or identify clues to an underlying neoplasm. Samples often are associated with a variety of lacquers (aka polish, varnish, enamel) or gels that may vary in their appearance. Some lacquers or gel polishes add challenges to maintaining an even plane of sectioning, obscure underlying findings, or separate from the nail in processing and be misinterpreted as terra firma. We review the histologic appearance of common lacquers and gel polishes so that dermatopathologists recognize these different presentations in clinical practice.

[N A J Med Sci. 2017;10(2):65-69.   DOI:  10.7156/najms.2017.1002065]


Keywords


nail polish, nail cosmetics, lacquer, histologic artifact, nail plate, nail unit, onychomycosis

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References


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