Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
Am J Clin Dermatol. 2011 Oct 1;12(5):313-20. doi: 10.2165/11592120-000000000-00000.
Fingernails and toenails are important organs of our body, serving as protection for the tips of fingers and toes. Fingernails also enhance fine touching and tactile sensitivity, as well as aid in the picking up of small objects. Healthy-looking nails are an important part of an individual's body image, and any nail abnormalities may be considered by patients as a significant cosmetic problem, markedly influencing their self-esteem. However, recent data have indicated that nail lesions are not only important because of cosmetic disfigurement, but may be a symptom of significant morbidity. Severe nail involvement was also shown to negatively impair social functioning and to interfere with work ability, thus markedly influencing a patient's well-being. Based on literature data and our own experience we conclude that nail diseases cause a marked decrease in health-related quality of life in a substantial percentage of patients. Nail changes are an important medical concern for patients and, therefore, nail diseases should raise attention and receive proper care from both physicians and other healthcare providers.
指甲是我们身体的重要器官，它们起到保护手指和脚趾尖端的作用。指甲还能增强精细触觉和触感灵敏度，并帮助捡起小物体。健康的指甲是个人身体形象的重要组成部分，任何指甲异常都可能被患者视为严重的美容问题，显著影响他们的自尊心。然而，最近的数据表明，指甲病变不仅因为美容缺陷而重要，还可能是严重发病率的症状。严重的指甲受累也被证明会对社交功能产生负面影响，并干扰工作能力，从而显著影响患者的幸福感。基于文献数据和我们自己的经验，我们得出结论，指甲疾病会导致相当一部分患者的健康相关生活质量显著下降。指甲变化是患者关注的重要医学问题，因此，指甲疾病应该引起医生和其他医疗保健提供者的关注，并给予适当的护理。
