Curling Cuticles of the Great Toenails: A Case Report of Eponychogryphosis

The cuticle, also referred to as the eponychium, creates a seal between the proximal nail fold and the nail plate. It is derived from both the ventral and dorsal portions of the proximal nail fold. In addition to its principle function as a barrier preventing allergens, irritants and pathogens from entering the nail cul-de-sac, the cuticle can play a role as a model for evaluating the etiology and management of diseases that affect capillary microcirculation, provide a source of solid tissue for genetic disorder studies, and aid in the evaluation of patients in whom the diagnoses of either systemic scleroderma or dermatomyositis is being entertained. Curling cuticle is a distinctive and unique occurrence. The clinical features of a man with curling cuticles on the lateral portion of both great toes is described. Although a deficiency in personal hygiene may partially account for the clinical finding, the pathogenesis of this observation remains to be established. The term ‘eponychogryphosis’ is proposed to describe the alteration of the patient’s cuticles.