The investigation of the relationship between nail changes and dermoscopy during pregnancy and the gestational week and systemic diseases

OpenAlex İngilizce

Aim:The aim of this study is to investigate nail changes during pregnancy, to perform dermoscopic evaluations, to measure nail thickness and to identify possible associations between nail alterations and systemic diseases. Materials and Methods: Age, gestational week, comorbidities, and medication use of all participants were documented. Vascular changes in the nailfolds were assessed using a handheld dermoscope (Dermlite DL5). The thickness of the thumbnail plate was measured at the midpoint of its free edge. Results:We included a total of 39 pregnant participant in the study.It was observed that among the patients without comorbidities, 18 (69.2%) had normal dermoscopic findings, while 8 (30.8%) showed abnormalities. Among the 13 patients with comorbidities, 9 (69.3%) exhibited dermoscopic abnormalities, including 6 with avascular areas and 3 with capillary loss. No statistically significant difference was found between dermoscopic findings and age, gestational age and nail thickness values (p>0.05) The mean nail thickness was found to be lower in patients with additional diseases. The mean nail thickness was found to be lower in those using medication. Conclusion: Nail changes and dermoscopic findings during pregnancy may provide important clues regarding systemic diseases and the pregnancy process.