Experimental Studies on Onycholysis

Abstract

Candida albicans is often found in onycholytic lesions, but it is said that the role of candidal infection will be secondary to the preceding trauma. In attempt to clarify the cause of onycholysis, experiments were carried out in two monkeys. Mechanical minor separation of the nail plate from the bed was performed once a week for 99 days, at the distal margin in the third and fourth fingernails of the both hands. A suspension of Candida albicans was applied beneath the separated lension of nail plate in the right hand alone from 36 to 71 days. Onycholysis gradually extended proximally in the right third and fourth fingers. but did not develop in the left ones. In addition to the above mentioned procedures, topical applications of Candida albicans to the corresponding sites were not followed by onycholysis. It is considered, thus, that Candida albicans infection following minor trauma of the hyponychium are responsible for the development of onycholysis. © 1973, Meeting of Osaka Dermatological Association. All rights reserved.