Onychocryptosis Is Associated with Low Income in a Matched Cohort Study Using the All of Us Database.

INTRODUCTION

Onychocryptosis is a common and often painful nail condition, but risk factors have been relatively unexplored. We aimed to analyze associations between onychocryptosis, comorbidities, and income level.

METHODS

Using the National Institute of Health All of Us Research Program Database, a matched case-control study was performed for patients with onychocryptosis diagnosis and comorbidities and lifestyle factors.

RESULTS

A total of 6,246 cases of onychocryptosis and 24,984 controls were analyzed. Patients with onychocryptosis versus controls had increased risk of onychogryphosis (OR 5.66; 95% CI 4.87, 6.58), onychomycosis (2.63; 2.06, 3.36), hallux valgus (1.68; 1.50, 1.87), type 2 diabetes mellitus (1.49; 1.40, 1.60), obesity (1.38; 1.30, 1.48), and peripheral vascular disease (1.24; 1.14, 1.35) compared to controls. Patients who reported living in low-income households more often had onychocryptosis (reference group annual income >200 k; annual income <10 k USD, OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.46, 2.12, < 0.001 vs. annual income 150-200 k USD, OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.99, 1.61, = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

Low income, obesity, PVD, and T2DM were associated with onychocryptosis diagnosis. It is recommended that these at-risk populations be screened for onychocryptosis and counseled on proper nail trimming techniques. Future studies are needed to examine the relationship between household income and onychocryptosis risk.