Nail abnormalities in patients with chronic leg ulcers: clues to systemic conditions

ackground: Nail alterations are rarely given significant importance in general consultation, but they are frequent especially in patients with chronic leg ulcers (CLU). Methods: We performed a cross-sectional observational study enrolling all outpatients referring to our Dermatologic Open Injury Outpatient Service between January 2024 and September 2024 with a diagnosis of chronic leg ulcer comparing the prevalence of nail disorders with a healthy population. Results: We identified nail alterations, including onychomycosis, pachyonychia, onychogryphosis, cuticle hyperkeratosis, associated with different systemic conditions. Conclusions: We underlined the importance of nail examination in patients with CLU for the correct diagnosis and a best management of several vascular and/or systemic diseases.